History of the Association.
Tracing our journey from a divine encounter in Abuja (2020) to a nationwide brotherhood and historic merger.
The Old Seminarians Association of Nigeria (OSAN) is an umbrella body for all Nigerians—regardless of their current socio-economic and religious backgrounds—who had the rare privilege of passing through any Catholic seminary worldwide during their post-primary education.
The Road to OSAN
Click through the chapters below to explore how a chance meeting in Abuja blossomed into a national movement.
The All Hallows Feast Day Encounter
The story of OSAN began on the 1st of November 2020 during the All Hallows Seminary Onitsha Old Boys Association (Abuja Chapter)—popularly called AHOBA—led by Chinedu Akubueze, a lawyer and Clerk-designate of the House of Representatives Abuja. They celebrated the All Saints’ Feast Day at the Church of Twelve Apostles, Diplomatic Zone, Abuja.
At the Mass of Thanksgiving, another Old Seminarian, Ugo Jim-Nwoko from St. Peter Claver Seminary Okpala in Owerri, met his All Hallows brethren by introducing himself to Chief Ifeanyi Obibuzor (affectionately called ‘ANCESTOR’ among the Ahobites). This introduction led to a refreshing reception at the Time-Out Hotel, Wuse 2, Abuja.
“Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” — Psalm 133
It was in this gathering that the idea of a common forum for all Old Seminarians in Nigeria was first proposed, starting with the traditional greeting: Ecce Quam Bonum et Quam Iaculum Fratres Habitare in Unum.
From Vision to Official Nomenclature
Following an enthusiastic end-of-year gathering on December 13, 2020—where Chinedu Akubueze moved a motion for a nationwide Catholic seminary association—a test-run reception was held on January 27, 2021, at the Grand Pela Hotel, Durumi, Abuja, honoring Akubueze's promotion.
The event was graced by eminent figures including Sir Mike Okiro, Justice Benedict B. Kanyip, Prof. Hyacinth Icheoku, Prof. Fidelis Okafor, and Catholic Bishops Jonas Benson Okoye (Awka) and Denis Isizoh (Onitsha).
Encouraged by the success, Akubueze instructed Ugo Jim-Nwoko to convene the maiden meeting on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at Time-Out Restaurant, Wuse 2. It was here that the name “Old Seminarians Association of Nigeria” was proposed and formally presented at the General Meeting on March 14, 2021, attended by legal luminaries, clergy, and founders.
The Historic Merger & Inauguration
As plans for the inauguration progressed, Ibrahim Moses Obenda introduced documents from a sister body, the Catholic Ex-Seminarians Association of Nigeria (CESAN). Following a letter from Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah calling for synergy, a historic meeting was convened under his supervision at The Kukah Centre, Wuse 2, Abuja on June 3, 2021.
After rigorous deliberation, a Merger Committee (comprising Ambrose Obioha, Moses Ibrahim Obenda, Newton Motomboni, and Ugo Jim-Nwoko) successfully integrated both bodies under the preferred name Old Seminarians Association of Nigeria (OSAN).
Sir Mike Okiro was adopted as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, solidifying a unified, resolute association dedicated to serving God, humanity, and Nigeria.
Be Part of Our Continuing History
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