Overview
The Marist Brothers of the Schools Province of Nigeria is a Catholic Religious Congregation dedicated to education and the spiritual development of youth. Their Mother House is located in Lorne, with Rev. Br. Emili Turú Rofes serving as the Superior General. In Nigeria, the Provincialate is at Chanpagnat House, Iva-Valley, Enugu, under the leadership of Rev. Br. Joachim Okoye-Ezetulugo.
Educational Institutions
The Marist Brothers operate seven secondary schools across six states in Nigeria: Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Kogi, Ebonyi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, with MBJ (Marist Brothers Juniorate) being the pioneer school. They also manage several schools for various Catholic Dioceses, including:
- Christ the King College, Gwagwalada, Abuja
- Christ the King Catholic College, Ire Ekiti, Ekiti State
Additionally, they run four nursery and primary schools in Enugu, Abia, Imo, and Ebonyi States. Their mission, as founded by St. Marcellin Champagnat, focuses on educating underprivileged youth and fostering a close relationship with Jesus through Mary, dedicating their lives to serving the poor in schools and social centers.
The Juniorate Before the Nigerian Civil War
In 1963, the Marist Brothers established the Juniorate as a formation center for aspirants. Initially, the program started with a few young candidates, supported by student Brothers like Rev. Bro. Fabian Okeke. The Juniorate served as a remedial center for aspirants who had not completed secondary education, providing two years of lessons before entering the Novitiate.
By 1965, the Juniorate had expanded to thirty young men under Rev. Br. Kieran’s directorship, with additional staff joining in subsequent years. However, the Juniorate was forced to close in 1967 due to the Nigerian Civil War.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Before the war, basic structures served as classrooms, laboratories, hostels, and dining rooms. Notable buildings included:
- The current Bursar’s office, which housed classes
- A mud-brick bungalow serving as a dormitory
- A building used as a staff room, now known as the pavilion
Electricity and water were introduced around 1959, enhancing the living and learning environment.
The Juniorate After the Civil War
Post-war, the Juniorate faced challenges, including the loss of students and a need for renewal. In 1970, Rev. Bro. Hyacinth Okoro resumed as Director, overseeing a period of rebuilding. The Juniorate initially had only one stream per class, with fewer than one hundred student Brothers.
Academic Development
Despite challenges, the Brothers maintained high academic standards, teaching various subjects. By 1973, the present laboratory building was utilized for Chemistry and Physics. The Juniorate was officially registered for WAEC examinations in 1978.
Leadership Changes
The following Directors led MBJ from 1975 to 2023:
- Rev. Bro. Isaac Elusiahu (1980 – 1982)
- Rev. Bro. Joachim Okoye-Ezetulugo (1982 – 1998)
- Rev. Bro. Christian Mbam (1998 – 1999)
- Rev. Bro. Fabian Okeke (1999 – 2005)
- Rev. Bro. Vincent Abadom (2005 – 2009)
- Rev. Bro. Christopher Onwuasoanya (2009 – 2011)
- Rev. Bro. Ifeanyi Mbaegbu (2011 – 2017)
- Rev. Bro. Emmanuel Ogo (2017 – 2021)
- Rev. Bro. Henry Uzor (2021 – present)
Conclusion
The Marist Brothers have made significant contributions to education and the spiritual growth of youth in Nigeria. Their commitment to serving the underprivileged and fostering a strong educational foundation continues to impact many lives positively.