A seminary shaped by mission
Kakulu Theological Seminary, Zing, is wholly owned and operated by the Southern Conference of the United Methodist Church.
In 1967, the need arose within the then EKAN Church, now the United Methodist Church, to train indigenous evangelists who could respond to the contextual needs of the church and wider society.
Rev. Walter Erbele became the Pioneer Principal, setting the pace for academic work with the support of indigenous leaders including Rev. Dennis Gilenya and Rev. Jonah Buba Mafindi.
Early leadership development at Kakulu Bible Institute combined agro-based courses with Hausa Bible courses. Successful candidates were posted to rural areas to evangelise. Some graduates later served as Christian Religious Teachers in government employment while maintaining service to the church that trained them.
Kakulu Bible Institute begins
Training began for indigenous pastors and evangelists serving local communities.
Upgraded to a theological seminary
KBI gained seminary status with capacity to award diplomas in English and Hausa.
Affiliation with ABU Zaria
The affiliation process initiated under Pastor Abraham J.C. Goroba was realised under Rev. Robinson Gerson Sanweri.
Undergraduate vision advanced
The Southern Conference Annual Session recommended the commencement of undergraduate programmes.
Our vision
KTS, as a United Methodist institution, seeks to be a leading institution in raising leaders who are disciples of Jesus Christ within a spiritual and academic community. It remains faithfully committed to applying biblical truth for Christian living and producing theologically sound leaders with Christ-like character who serve as agents of transformation in the church and society.
Our mission
KTS exists to glorify God by providing sound biblical and theological education that translates into sincere spiritual formation, equipping believers to serve God through faith, good works and practical ministry within the context of the church and contemporary African society.
Our mandate
- Serve as a United Methodist institution that maintains faithfulness to Scripture.
- Reflect theologically on our traditional heritage and issues facing the church and society in Nigeria and beyond.
- Serve as witnesses by living out the theological life through individual and corporate experiences.
- Provide theological education and training for United Methodists and other sister denominations.
- Uphold Scripture, Tradition, Experience and Reason as the four theological pillars of the United Methodists.
Our core values
KTS is committed to sound Christian discipleship by living and becoming like Jesus by faith through prayer and holistic ministry.