BY JULIET EMMANUEL
Kaduna
Good Shepherd Major Seminary, Kaduna, a cornerstone of priestly formation in Northern Nigeria has marked 25 years of formation, sacrifice, resilience, and growth, while unveiling ambitious plans for the institution’s future.
The Rector of the institution, Very Rev. Fr. Joel Haruna Usman, during a press conference at the weekend to kickstart the anniversary, described the occasion as a moment of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewed commitment to the mission of the Church.
According to the Rector, the institution since establishment in 2000 has trained hundreds of Catholic priests now serving across Nigeria and abroad, it has become a beacon of hope and learning in a region often marred by insecurity and socio-economic challenges.
The cleric stated that the Seminary’s goal remains the formation of “faithful and courageous shepherds of Christ’s flock.”
The Rector recounted the Seminary’s most painful moment, the January 8, 2020 terrorist attack in which four seminarians were abducted. One of them, Michael Ikechukwu Nnadi, was killed for his faith.
Fr. Usman described Michael’s martyrdom as a powerful witness to the kind of priests the Seminary seeks to form: men of courage and conviction, not comfort.
The Rector called on the government to leverage available technologies such as drones to prevent attacks before they happen.
He emphasized that national unity and inclusive security strategies are critical, urging the government to avoid regional bias and embrace a collective Nigerian identity.
“As part of the Silver Jubilee celebration, a series of events have been lined up, including a meeting of the Bishops of Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province and a reunion of alumni on June 24. A Gala Night and Fundraising Dinner is scheduled for June 25 at Epitome Hotel in Barnawa, while the Grand Finale on June 26 will feature the priestly ordination of 31 deacons, presided over by Most Rev. Fortunatus Nwachukwu from the Vatican”.
He emphasized that the Jubilee also features the launch of a major development initiative, which aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Seminary, noting that the Central to this project is the construction of a new Formators’ Rectory at a projected cost of ₦610.8 million, which will serve as residence for the priests who guide seminarians in their spiritual and academic journey, he said.
Fr. Usman appealed to alumni, benefactors, and the general public to support the project.
The Rector expressed profound appreciation to all who have supported the Seminary over the years, including the Catholic Bishops of Kaduna Province, the former governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, and others.
Also, the vice Rector, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Mbamara said “the Jubilee is a tribute to our past, a joy in our present, and a commitment to the future”.
Mbamara also appealed to the general public to support the Seminary’s projects, adding that the next chapter is a mission to serve the Church and nation, rooted in faith, courage, and a vision for lasting impact, he said.
