In 1966 the Diocese of Northern Nigeria opened the Diocesan Training Centre in Wusasa, near Zaria, with Mr. Jeremy Hinds, a CMS-UK missionary and six students. The course was of three years duration – two years catechist training and a one year short ordination course in English. It was supplemented in 1969 with a course for Hausa-speaking catechists.

 

In 1982, the college was upgraded to offer a full three-year ordination course in line with other theological colleges in Nigeria. The new college was launched with the name of St Francis of Assisi Theological College, acknowledging when the college began on St Francis’ Day in 1966. Canon Josiah Idowu-Fearon (now Bishop of Kaduna) was appointed to head the college.

 

In July 1990 the Rev. Ben Kwashi (now Archbishop of Jos Province) was appointed principal of the college, the title of that office was also changed to Rector. A Deputy Rector, Rev. Canon Henry Ndukuba (now Bishop of Gombe) was also appointed. The college had eight permanent teaching staff, one youth-corper on National Service assignment and two part-time lecturers. The student body expanded rapidly and stood at 106 students in eight classes. Towards the end of 1991 the college was approved for affiliation with the Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. The course accredited was the two-year Diploma of Christian Religious Education to be offered concurrently with the Diploma in Theology course.

 

Ven. George U. Njoku, was appointed Dean in August 2006 and held the post until January 2011. The present Dean, Rt Rev Praises Omole-Ekun arrived on 1^st February 2011, the first bishop ever appointed as Dean of a Theological College in the Church of Nigeria.