The Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion

The Anglican Church in Nigeria is a Christian English Church with the root in Church of England. She has members spread across every geopolitical zone in Nigeria. Although the church population is said to be about 18.74million members according to Journal of Anglican Studies published by Cambridge University Press her active membership is put at just over 11 million adherents. The Anglican Church in Nigeria has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The Anglican Church's presence in Nigeria can be traced back to the arrival of British missionaries in the mid-19th century. The Church Missionary Society (CMS) played a significant role in the establishment and growth of the Anglican Church in Nigeria during this time. The history of the Church began from 1842 when the Church Missionary Society (CMS) ably led by Henry Townsend landed in Badagry, Western part of Nigeria. Missionaries such as Samuel Ajayi Crowther, who later became the first African Anglican bishop in Nigeria, were instrumental in spreading the Anglican faith across the country. The Anglican Church in Nigeria grew steadily throughout the colonial period, and its influence expanded as it established schools, hospitals, and other social institutions. The church also played a significant role in the spread of Western education in Nigeria. Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, the Anglican Church continued to grow and evolve, becoming an integral part of the country's religious and social fabric. The church has been involved in various social and political issues and has contributed to the development of Nigeria in numerous ways. Today, the Anglican Church in Nigeria is one of the largest Christian denominations in the country, with millions of members. It has its own hierarchy of Primate, Archbishops, Bishops, clergy, and dioceses, and it remains an influential force in Nigerian society. The Anglican Church in Nigeria continues to be active in various areas, including education, healthcare, and social welfare, and it plays a vital role in the spiritual and moral life of the Nigerian people. Its involvement in higher education propelled the establishment of Universities in Nigeria. Prominent among these Universities are Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo in western part of Nigeria and St Paul's University, Awka in the Eastern part of the country. Currently the Anglican Church in Nigeria comprises of one hundred and sixty-one dioceses (161) with Bishops overseeing them. These dioceses are arranged into 14 Ecclesiastical Provinces under the administration of Archbishops and being supervised by the Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion; The Most Revd Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba. The past Archbishops and Primate of Church of Nigeria include The Most Revd T.O. Olufosoye, The Most Revd J.A. Adetiloye, The Most Revd P.J. Akinola and The Most Revd Nicholas Okoh. Apart from its effort in promoting health, welfare and Western education in Nigeria, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), operates standard training Institutions for the theological education and spiritual and pastoral formation of its priests. Currently, the church has eight (8) Theological colleges spread across the country. The theological sector is headed by the Bishop Theologian, The Rt Revd Dapo Asaju and Each Theological College is headed by a Rector, but supervised by Governing Boards chaired by appointees of their respective proprietors.