THE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF DOMINIC SAVIO SEMINARY AKPU-ORUMBA

1. INTRODUCTION:

In the Holy Writ we read, "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the
heavens" Ecc. 3:1. And so at the Lord's appointed time, precisely in the year of the Lord 1978 the
Catholic Diocese of Awka was erected, with a territory taken from the Archdiocese of Onitsha. The birth
of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, automatically called for a diocesan minor Seminary to prepare future
priests for the local Church and the universal Church at large. Consequently the Bishop of the new
Diocese, (now Archbishop Emeritus of Onitsha) Most Rev. Dr. AK. Obiefuna aware of this special need
of the Diocese, did not waste time to arrange things to commence the construction of a minor Seminary
at Ugwuntijiegbe Akpu.

The idea of building the Seminary at Ugwuntijiegbe Akpu was very well welcomed with joy and
enthusiasm. This is clearly expressed in these words of Rev. Fr. Dr. Martin Ezeokoli "In 1979, the pioneer
Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. AK. Obiefuna wrote me as the Vicar and Acting Parish Priest of
St. Matthew's Akpu with almost 24 stations, to hurry to Awka to carry 100 bags of cement to begin to
mould blocks for the erection of St. Dominic Savio Seminary, Akpu.

I made straight to Awka with a tipper vehicle. I remember vividly that we molded 99 bags for one bag fell
off from the Tipper because of the Bad road to Akpu even better than what it is for now". In the first place,
the site, an extensive area was part of St. Matthew's Catholic Mission, Akpu then housing the entire
stations in Orumba, except for those under Umunze Parish. Also it demonstrated to the people of
Orumba that they are very dear to the young diocese and the new diocese counts on them for her
development.

2. THE HUMBLE BEGINNING

S1. Dominic Savio Seminary Akpu, as already indicated was conceived and hatched in the mind of Most
Rev. Dr. AK. Obiefuna, the pioneer Bishop of the Diocese. After the initial construction work at the site,
the Seminary eventually took off on the 8th of October 1980 with 105 students. The first Rector was Rev.
Fr. R.I. Oliobi, assisted by Rev. Fr. Luke Anameze. The pioneer academic staff (all Seminarians) included
the following:

1. Okoyeocha Alexander (1st Auxilliary)
2. Oranye Francis 
3. Nwankwo Christopher
4. Nwankwo Livinus
5. Adinchezo Christopher
6. Ezeobiagwu Jude
7. Onwuka Christopher
8. Akabuogu Anthony 
9. Ojilimogbe Clement

 

3. THE GENERAL SCENARIO AT INCEPTION

In landscape, the Seminary compound was anything but interesting. It looked solitary, uninviting and
overgrown with thick bush akin to an evil forest. The ground was rough, as it was covered with stones of
sharp edges. It was against this background that the pioneer staff and students took off in their
noble task of priestly formation. The students looked very tender and quite smallish in size.
Apparently disappointed by the type of environment they found themselves and aggravated by

Accommodation:

Only one dormitory block was ready and cubicles were provided for the Seminary teachers who
shared the dormitory with the students. The refectory was not ready either, rather, an' uncompleted
dormitory or hostel whose floor was yet to be germen-floored was used as interim refectory.
Students stood up eating, carrying their food in their hands, as there were no dining tables.
Similarly, there was only one classroom block housing the three classes of A,B and C, there was no
staff room as well. The Seminary Chapel shared space with the present refectory block.

Movement Around:

It was not easy to walk from one part of the compound to the other, because of the thick bush that
covered the entire place. Even clear view of the classroom block was not possible from the
dormitory. As many tracts as possible were created by the students in the bid to move from one end
to the other.

Problem of Water and Light:

Another very nagging problem then was water. This problem of water supply persisted throughout
the first year of the young Seminary and appeared intractable. Water fetching was undertaken by
students from a local stream called "Nkwa" , some distance from the Seminary.

There was also the problem of inadequate supply of light, though not as problematic as that of water.
More so as the generator from the nearby Parish house from time to time supplied light to the
Seminary, thanks to the generosity of the then Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. B.C.B. Muojekwu now a
Monsignor. The light so supplied was however not bright enough for reading because the load was
too much (Parish House and the Seminary) on the generator. To make up for the short fall, students
at the same time used lanterns.

The Menace of Snakes:

Another problem in the compound was that of snakes. Snakes of various sizes and features came out
of the overlooking thick bush around to harass the students. However, inspite of the common feature
of snakes, only one incidence of snake bite was recorded in the first year. In fact, on some occasions,
siesta had to be interrupted in an effort to chase away or kill any snake sighted. The problem of
snakes was solved to a large extent when a caterpillar was hired to clear the thick bush around, while
the students cleared the areas quite close to the dormitories.

What we have described for now gives a brief picture of what was the situation on ground as regards
the state of facilities at the inception of the Seminary. Well, that is understandable putting into
account, the age of the diocese then, the finances available and the level of development around the
Seminary. To postpone the taking off of the Seminary at the point in time would have signaled
postponing difficulties. So, inspite of the initial difficulties we praise all those who decided on the take
off.

 INITIAL EFFORTS TO RENEW THE FACE OF THE SEMINARY (1980-1983)

It was not long however when some of the major problems of the Seminary began to give way. Serious
efforts were made by all and sundry to develop the Seminary. In the first place the Seminarians
themselves had to take the lead. Manual labour dominated the activities of the Seminary (after studies
and prayers) as Seminarians and teachers joined hands to clear the bush, remove the stones and
construct pathways and avenues. Excavation of sharp edged stones was a continuous exercise as
efforts were made to provide a field for games even after a caterpillar had worked on the area.

As the Seminarians continued to adapt to their new environment, the communal life of the Seminary was
gradually becoming interesting. As the days rolled by, more and more' facilities were provided. The
refectory and some other buildings were completed and put into use. Soon the problem of light was
solved, during the launching ceremony organized in the Seminary in 1981, by a donation of a 25 KVA
Lister Hr3 generator by Late Sir. J. Nwankwu of Abagana. At the same time, Late Chief M.Z.C. Okpala
of Achina donated a Nissan Bus, to facilitate the transportation needs of the Seminary. These and many
other donations in cash and kind poured in during the launching, and gave the Seminary a new lease of
life.

The provision of the basic facilities in the Seminary as the days rolled by created a conducive atmosphere
for the Seminarians to develop more effectively. With the mastery of the Seminary rules and regulations,
the young Seminarians became more business-like in their spiritual and academic pursuits. Talents
began to unfold and Seminarians competed favourably with the neighboring School and Colleges, in
their academic and social activities. The Rector, Rev. Fr. R.I. Oliobi, an amiable, dynamic and selfless
priest, instituted programmes for the upliftment of the Seminarians, by way of prize awards for best-
behaved, best in academic etc. This no doubt spurred the Seminarians to greater achievements. It was
an eventful, interesting and challenging pioneering work for the Seminary community then and those
immediately after them, and this will continue to occupy the memory lanes of the privileged participants.

5. RECTORS SINCE INCEPTION:

At 25, St. Dominic Savio Seminary, Akpu, has been administered under the following Rectors.

• Very Re Fr. R.I. Oliobi 1980-1983
• Very Rev. F J.P.c. Ikegbusi 1983-1984
• Very Rev. Fr. L. Anameze 1984-1985
• Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Nwanna 1985-1992
• Very Rev. F Clifford Aniefuna 1992-1995
• Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Ejeziem 1995-1996
• Very Rev. F P.c. Ezeokafor 1996 till date

The incumbent Rector Rev. Fr. P.c. Ezeokafor has remained the longest in office in the dynasty of Akpu
Seminary Rectors. Also there are some other priests who have worked over the years in this Seminary as
Co-forrnators. They include:

Rev. Fr. Pantaleon        Umechukwu

Late Rev. Fr. Paul         Nwaelom

Late Rev. Fr. Patrick     Nnabuife

Rev. Fr. Paul                 Akpu

Rev. Fr. Innocent          Nwafor

Rev. Fr. Christopher     Okoli

Rev. Fr. Hilary              Ekwenibe

Rev. Fr. Augustine        Okochi

Rev. Fr. Paul                 Chukwukebe

Rev. Fr. Charles            Okeke

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel       Achuke

Rev. Fr. Francis            Chidume

Rev. Fr. Edward            Anoliefo

Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Amobi

Rev. Fr. Martin              Okafor

Rev. Fr. John                Anasiudu

Rev. Fr. Sylvester        Chukwumalume

Rev. Frs, Emmanuel Dim, Martin Asiegbu, Fabian Obi and Innocent Obidiegwu had supplied part-time
services at various times.

6. FURTHER DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS IN THE SEMINARY

Projects Accomplished 1984-1995

1. Two Dormitory Blocks, G and H
2. Class 3 Block

3    Introductory technology/Library block and installation of Intro tech equipment
4.   ‘External teachers' quarters.

3. A Staff Room
4. Students' Toilet Block (Additional)
5. Drainages along Dormitory avenue (one side); along class avenue (two sides); down to the wall

bordering with Mazi Mba's compound.

8. Lawn Tennis Court
9. Compound walling running from beside the new F house down to the lawn tennis court.
10. NEPA Installation and overhead compound wiring of the entire Seminary.
11. Water Borehole, Sept. 1986-1992. (Dried up in 1992)
12. New Fathers' House and part of its furnishing.
13. A Mercedes Benz 911 Tipper

ii Projects Accomplished in 1995/96

1. Walling of the Seminary yam barn
2. A six-room garage for the Priests
3. Garage for Seminary vehicles
4. Continuation of the compound walling project from beside the new Frs. House down the valley, up
   to the Akpu Parish house, towards our external staff quarters, down to the main road and to the
   Seminary main Gat

• Re-roofing and ceiling of the students' kitchen
  6. . Provision of water taps at different places

6. 2 Electronic key boards
7. 2 Table top small Refrigerators

iii. Projects Accomplished 1996-2005

1997           Replacement of the Seminary Mercedes Benz 911, stolen in April same year. The birth of
Missionswerke, Catholic Diocese of Awka.

Reflooring of the students' refectory

1998           Establishment of the Seminary piggery

Construction of drainage and pavements behind all the dormitories

1999           Initiated the construction of a one-storey building as the Administrative Block
Environmental beautification with flower took off

Expansion of the generator house

2000           Administrative Block completed

Road lateriting with net-work of gutter and drainage in the compound
Borehole reactivation (It went dry in 1992).

Installation of a second generator: SOKVA, Generator to augment the Hr3 Lister of
1981.

2001           A fairly used Mitsubishi Pick up to replace the written off 404 Peugeot Pick up van.

 

 

Piggery expansion

The Seminary Infirmary completed

2002             Hall and visitors' house completed

 

Installation of a 12.5 KVA Indian water cooler generator (for classrooms and Frs'. House
only)

 

2003          Renovation and reconstruction of the Seminary Chapel, (An old church of St. Matthew's
Akpu), making it to have above all an external appearance of a place of christian worship.
Construction of pavements and drainage around the chapel

Construction of pavements and gutters in front of the dormitories

2004          Purchase of a Toyota Dyna 300 Truck to assist in the transportation needs of the Seminary
Tarring of the Seminary avenue

2005           Renovation and painting of the entire buildings in the Seminary compound
Distribution of water from the Borehole to all the ends of the Seminary compound.

 

 APPRAISAL

Each rector and his team of formators proved their worth through a wonderful display of administrative
acumen. Some planted, others watered and yet others nurtured. The Seminary would be said to have
reached the climax of her achievements for now, under the rectors hip of Rev. Fr. PC. Ezeokafor, the
incumbent rector. His administration has turned Akpu Seminary into a miniature London City. The
structures and facilities provided by him assisted by his co-formators are eloquent testimonies of his
administrative ingenuity and resource management. Apart from the original and old buildings and
structures before his assumption of duty that have been effectively maintained, Rev. Fr. Pc. Ezeokafor
has successfully supervised the construction of the recent facilities in the Seminary to their logical
conclusion. Just look around the Seminary and you will see things for yourself.

The Seminary has attained enviable heights in academics and sports. No academic year has passed
without the Seminary recording a 100% outing in the Junior School Certificate Examinations since.
inception. It is not just a mere 100% passes, but passes with many distinctions and credits. The students
are embodiment of discipline and are models to the surrounding schools and communities. It is on record
today that the Junior Certificate Exam supervisors lobby to be posted to St. Dominic Savio Seminary
Akpu for supervision. The simple reason is that the Seminarians adhere to all the examination ethics that
supervisors do not have the headache of controlling them as is obtained in most Secondary Schools.

In Sports the Seminary is not lagging behind. In competitions (whether in sports or academics) the name
of Akpu Seminary spells fear in the opponents ever before the competitions begin. All these heights of
achievement are sure empirical evidences of hard work, prudent management of both human and
material resources and display of sterling administrative qualities of the past rectors of the Seminary most
especially the incumbent rector Rev. Fr. pc. Ezeokafor and his co-workers.

The Diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. S.A. Okafor must be given a pat on the back for all his support to the
Seminary in both cash and kind. Without his support, the Seminary would not have recorded all these
millennium achievements.

The pioneer Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Dr. A.K. Obiefuna "your baby" St. Dominic Savio Seminary, is
now celebrating her twenty-five years of existence. Your fatherly support at the teething stage of the
Seminary can never be forgotten. It was wise of you to have taken the risk of erecting the Seminary at that
point in time.

We thank the Akpu Community for their special support to the Catholic Diocese of Awka, by
unconditionally offering to the Diocese the area of land for the erection of the Seminary. They have proved themselves good land Lords all along. The wonderful Parish-by-Parish food apostolate to our Seminary, by the Awka Diocesan Catholic Women Organization remains a big boast.

We also remember the following for their immense contributions to our Seminary: Chief and Mrs. F.N.
Okekearu-Okutalukwke II of Enugwu-Ukwu, for their singular interest in the training of our future Priests.
Chief and Mrs. Ifeanyi Okoye (Juhel) of Agulu, who have continued to supply free drugs worth thousands
of naira to our Seminary since 1986. Chief, Sir and Lady M. N. Okoli of Akpu, (Marcity) for their constant
financial and moral support. Late Chief Sir. F.O. Oranusi of Umunze for his various contributions. The
Seminary Parents Teachers Dialogue Association (P.T.D.A.) for their assistance in the developmental
projects of the Seminary. In a special way, we thank the members of Kath. Pfarrgemeinde Herz-Jesu
Obspringen Germany, led by Familie Maria and Josef Lehnen by whose generous contributions, some of
the needs of our Seminary have been realized. Finally, we appreciate the contributions of our other
friends and well wishers whose names we cannot mention here for now. May the Good Lord reward us all
in Jesus Name.

At 25, St. Dominic Savio Seminary Akpu has come a long way. It has been transformed into a beautiful
environment that is pleasing and inviting as against the nauseating village square adored with bushes that
it looked like as at 8th October, 1980, when the historic generations’ journey started. It has produced
many good priests who live as authentic witnesses of Jesus Christ, and eminent lay persons making their
marks in the various fields of human endeavour. Verily, verily the sound of St. Dominic Savio Seminary
Akpu has gone loud and clear and we thank all and sundry for that.

Long Live St. Dominic Savio Seminary Akpu!

Long Live the Catholic Diocese of Awka'!

Long Live the Catholic Church!!!

Written by

Dr. Alexander Okoyeocha
Rev. Fr. Clifford Aniefuna
Rev. Fr. 8artho Amobi