About Us

About us

Background History

A spiritually sound and an academically strong theological education is offered at the ERCC Theological Seminary (a diploma in Christian Religious Education of 2 years, a bachelor's degree of 4 years or 5 years and a master's degrees of 2 years). The seminary is known for the good atmosphere and intensive guidance of the students. Scientific quality is central, linked to sound professional equipment. The ETS has a rich and long history.The Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ (ERCC) Theological Seminary (ETS) Fadan Ayu, was established in 1964 by missionaries of the South African branch of Sudan United Mission (SUM). It was initially known as Ayu Bible Institute; thereafter, the name of the school was changed to Ayu Pastors’ College; and in June 1990 the General Church Council approved the changed of the name to Ayu Theological Seminary (ATS); hence, a corresponding change from the era of Principal to that of Provost as head of the institution. As a Seminary with an international character, the pioneer Principal of the institution was Mr. Hawtery Williams Judd, a South African by nationality while the incumbent Provost is a Nigerian by name Very Rev. Dr. Bitrus Y. Bawa.

The Seminary is owned by the Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ (ERCC); a founding member of the well acclaimed “Tarayar Ekklisiyoyin Kristi a Nigeria” (TEKAN) in Hausa which, in English means, the Fellowship of the Churches of Christ in Nigeria (FCCN).

Statement of Purpose

ERCC Theological Seminary seeks to educate men and women for Christian ministry as missionaries, Teachers, Pastors and lay-workers who are committed to God for a particular service for which they recognize a need for a seminary studies to understand and communicate Biblical truths effectively. The Seminary welcomes the opportunity of assisting candidates from Reformed Churches, Evangelical Denominations and Independent or Non-Denominational Christian bodies who are seeking preparation for fruitful Christian life and ministry.

Vision Statement

The vision of the Seminary is to be an equipped Institution of learning with Conducive atmosphere for training God-fearing leaders and teachers for the development of the Church and Society.

Mission Statement

The mission is to produce effective and efficient leaders and teachers in theology, Christian Education and leadership skills for wholistic development of the church and Society.

The Seminary’s Philosophy And Objectives

The Seminary’s Philosophy is grounded on the word of God as expressed in the scriptures. Disciplined in study, personal commitment, and authentic Christian living are very core to the Seminary’s philosophy in the pursuance of the truth embedded in the scripture. At ERCC Theology Seminary; we blend deep spirituality with sound academics in preparing and developing our students for life and ministry. The objectives of the seminary are:

• To develop a relationship with and dependence on God through prayer, personal study of the scripture, worship, witness and service to humanity.

• To develop a wholesome personal spiritual life consistent with the word of God as one comes to deeper understanding and personal experiences of the power of the Gospel.

• To develop knowledge of the content, history and message of the Bible, a thorough understanding of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, and adequate grasp of the culture and religious life of one’s own and other civilizations.

• To develop the ability to think productively and to understand and evaluate the thought of others.

• To develop vision of worldwide needs and a desire to meeting these needs with the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

• To develop attitudes and gifts consistent with the work of the ministry.

• To develop a desire for continual learning and awareness of the spiritual educational, social, political, economical and theological trends of the day.

The Seminary’s Statement of Faith

As an Evangelical Reformed Seminary:

• The Seminary believes the scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired word of God, without error, the complete revelation of the will of God of the salvation of men and women, and the Divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life.
• The Seminary believes in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in Three persons, God the father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• The Seminary believes that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, He died on the Cross a sacrifice for our sins. He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High; He now is our High priest and advocate.
• The Seminary believes that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and in this age, to convince men and women of their sins, regenerate the believing sinner, and indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer to godly living and services.
• The Seminary believes that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore lost and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.
• The Seminary believes that the blood shaded by Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation, for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become children of God.
• The Seminary believes that water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinance, instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ, to be observed. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation rather they are signs and seals.
• The Seminary believes that the true Church is composed of all such persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy spirit and are united together in the body of Christ of which He is the head.
• The Seminary believes in the personal, Millennial and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that the “Blessed Hope” has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.
• The Seminary believes in the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the Lord’s believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord, of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.