History

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO MINOR SEMINARY, IMIRINGI: A HISTORICAL OVERVIEW The seminary is named after the saint, Charles Borromeo (1538-1584), bishop of Milan. He was a true shepherd of his flock who worked hard for the salvation of souls entrusted to his care, and worked assiduously for the good of humanity. He fought corruption, established seminaries and served the poor during certain difficult moments. Despite been from a wealthy noble family, he chose to live a life of simplicity, focusing on charity and penance. He was canonized saint in 1610 and his feast day is November 4th. He is known to be the patron saint of cardinals, bishops and seminarians. Saint Charles Borromeo Minor Seminary, Imiringi, located in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, is a Catholic institution established under the authority of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi for secondary education. The seminary was officially founded on 27th October 2007 as part of the Church’s effort to promote indigenous priestly vocations and other productive carriers of life within Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta region and the wider society.

The establishment of the seminary was necessitated by the need to train young boys from the region for the priesthood, especially at a time when there was a limited number of indigenous clergy. The institution began with modest facilities and a small number of pioneer students, under the leadership of its first rector, Rev. Fr Opelema Joseph, who served for two years. During this foundational period, seminarians such as seminarians Benedict Nwobu and Victor Izibeya now priests of the diocese were actively involved in the early formation structure of the school.

Following this initial phase, Rev. Fr Anthony Suoware assumed leadership of the seminary. His tenure was marked by structural and academic developments, including the involvement of seminarians such as Jubilee and Singabele Anselm in formative duties. In 2010, the seminary recorded its highest admission intake of fifty students drawn from various locations including Burutu, Patani, Mbiama, and Benin City. At the time, the school fees were set at ₦22,500, making the institution relatively accessible to families within the region.

By 2011, seminarians such as Bro. Anthony Ebimobowei Brown and John Agbariko served in formation roles, having been brought in during the episcopacy of Bishop Emeritus Egerega, who contributed significantly to the growth and stability of the seminary over a number of years. During this period, Rev. Fr. Suoware introduced night lesson programmes aimed at improving the academic performance of students.

In 2012, the seminary organized its first inter-house sports competition, marking an important milestone in its co-curricular development. Blue House, led by Mrs. Florence Opara, and emerged as the winner, followed by Green House under the leadership of Rev. Fr Tony.

A significant phase in the seminary’s development began in 2013 with the appointment of Rev. Fr Precious IRELE as rector. His tenure, noted as the longest in the seminary’s history for now, brought substantial academic and infrastructural advancements. During this period, the seminary introduced customized notebooks and began participating in external academic competitions, including Olympiad contests, where Azubuike Emmanuel achieved a notable fourth position in Mathematics. The seminary also took part in competitions such as the Coca-Cola sports events and Etisalat academic programmes.

In terms of infrastructure, Fr Precious oversaw the construction of key facilities, including the refectory and the seminary chapel. He also introduced a scholarship scheme whereby students with the highest academic average received a waiver on school fees for the subsequent term. Notably, Master Noel Henetu set a record during this period with the highest academic average of 71.86. In 2017, the seminary further expanded its academic resources with the establishment of an ICT centre equipped with forty laptops.

In 2021, Rev. Fr Precious IRELE was transferred and succeeded by Rev. Fr Michael OGBOR, whose administration emphasized academic excellence through the introduction of additional lesson structures. This period also witnessed the formation and introduction of Latin Mass and catechetical instruction. Seminarians such as Justin Iwumune, Avivie Johnson, and Ziakegha Clement were actively engaged in formation duties during the 2022/2023 academic session.

By May 28th 2023, (Pentecost Sunday) Rev. Fr Jude Pereowei IKPAIKPAI was appointed as the fifth rector of the seminary, continuing the pastoral and academic leadership of the institution. His tenure presently is packed with a high level of human formation, coupled with moral/spiritual, intellectual/vocational and choral formations. He currently works with seminarian Richmond David, a diocesan seminarian of Saint Joseph Catholic Major Seminary Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa-Ibom State. Richmond is highly knowledgeable with media works and has thought the students a lot on videos, pictures and graphics editing.
Over the years, the seminary has produced a total of eight ordained catholic priests and numerous graduates who have excelled academically and contributed meaningfully to society. Some of the alumni are outside the country doing so well, many are in the universities recognized as excellent students in their various departments, while some continued with their seminary formation to the major seminary to become catholic priests God willing. Worthy of note is an alumni Charles Izibeya DIKE of 2015 set. Charles hails from Famgbe community, Yenagoa Local Government Area Bayelsa State. Driven with passion for the sciences, Charles got admitted into the prestigious University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Sagbama L.G.A. Bayelsa State. Having obtained his Bachelor degree in Chemistry with a first class honours (4.89 CGPA) 2020/2021, Charles was recognized with the prestigious Bayelsa State Government Prize by His Excellency Senator Douye Diri the then governor of Bayelsa State. The awards includes an automatic employment as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Africa. The seminary’s early teaching staff played a crucial role in its foundation and growth. Among the pioneer teachers were Rev. Fr Jude Awari Ph.D. (Music), Rev. Fr Michael Chukwurah (Latin), Mrs Florence Opara (Social Studies), Mrs Maryann Opara (French), and Mrs. Millicent Aisaibor (Physical and Health Education).

To date, the seminary has up to twelve sets of graduated students and has an estimated alumni population of approximately 300+. Through its sustained commitment to academic excellence, moral discipline, and spiritual formation, Saint Charles Borromeo Minor Seminary, Imiringi continues to serve as a vital institution in the mission of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, the broader Church in Nigeria and the civil society at large.

Over the years, the institution has produced numerous priests and leaders who serve both the Church and society with integrity and dedication.

Formation Program

Administration

The seminary operates under the pastoral authority of the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bomadi and is administered by the Rector, assisted by priest formators, academic staff, and dedicated support personnel. Together, they ensure a structured and holistic formation program in accordance with the norms of the Catholic Church.