The Assemblies of God Divinity School of Nigeria (AGDSN), located in Old Umuahia, Abia State, stands as a beacon of theological education, spiritual growth, and leadership development in Nigeria. Its roots trace back to the early days of Assemblies of God Nigeria, when the need for a dedicated institution to train pastors, missionaries, and church leaders became increasingly evident.

It was founded in 1940 at an Assemblies of God Old Umuahia church building by the Rev. Dr. W.L. Shirer, an American missionary. Thereafter, the Rev. Dr. Everett L. Philips, also an American missionary to Nigeria, took over its leadership in February of the same year. The school was later relocated to its permanent site at Umueledi Community, Old Umuahia, Abia State Nigeria in 1941. Its initial name was Central Bible College and Institute (CBC&I), later changed to Assemblies of God Divinity School of Nigeria (AGDSN) in 1984 as a degree awarding institution. The Rev. Dr. Raphael Cimino took over the headship of the school before the Rev. Dr. James Maccauley served as the last expatriate missionary and head of the school.

The first indigenous Nigerian who headed the school was the Rev. Prof. Paul O. Ajah in 1995-1999, after he had served as the Vice President for some years.

SUCCESSIVE HEADS OF THE SCHOOL

The Rev. Prof. Robert Ebuade - 2000-2007.
The Rev. Prof. Emmanuel O. Inworogu - 2008-2012
The Rev. Dr. Francis Njor – 2013 – 2014
The Rev. Jude Utah – 2015 – 2017 August
The Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Okpara Inworogu – September 2017-2018
The Rev. Prof. David Ajah – 2019 - 2020
The Rev. Prof. Akpenka P. Abetang – 2021 -2023
The Rev. Dr. John N. Alegu – 2024 to date

AGDSN emerged as a response to the growing demand for biblically sound and doctrinally grounded ministers to serve the Assemblies of God Church and beyond. The school was established with the vision of equipping men and women for effective ministry, rooted in the principles of Pentecostal faith and practice.

Vision Statement

“Training for Pentecostal Christian ministry in honesty, service and hard work”.

Mission Statement

“Training Holy Spirit-filled charismatic leaders for contemporary times”.

Our Philosophy

Provide bible based education that develops the mind and inspires dependence on God.

Core Values and Legacy

At its heart, AGDSN is guided by the core values of faith, integrity, excellence, and service. These principles have shaped the institution’s mission and continue to inspire its efforts to nurture spiritually mature, academically competent, and missionally focused leaders.

Our Affiliations

Assemblies Of God Divinity School Of Nigeria is affiliated with University of Uyo

MILESTONE, GROWTH AND EXPANSION

AGDSN was officially established in 1940, Umueledi, Old Umuahia, strategically located in Abia State, a region known for its rich Christian heritage and vibrant Assemblies of God presence. The institution expanded its facilities to accommodate the increasing number of students enrolled in its programmes: National Diploma in Theology, (regular and part-time); Degree Department Programmes: Biblical Theology, Missions/Intercultural Studies, Christian Education and Church Administration (regular and part-time); and Master’s Department Programmes in Biblical Theology, Missions/Intercultural Studies, and Christian Education. The school runs a 4-year Affiliate degree programme (AP). These reflect its growing influence in theological and secular education. Two departments have been proposed for inclusion into Affiliate programme. Guidance and Counselling and Religious Education.

PARTNERSHIP/ACCREDITATION

AGDSN earned accreditation from the National University Commission (NUC) in 1996 when it was affiliated with the University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It has over the years maintained full accreditation status, the latest came in January 2025, when the Accreditation Team scored 87.7% to operate full accreditation for the next 5 years. The programme employs the services of eminent scholars, professors from various recognized institutions. The AP Graduates go for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps; some have served creditably and are gainfully employed. The accreditation boosts the school reputation, enhances its credibility, and ensures quality higher education. AGDSN is currently working hard for accreditation with the Association of Pentecostal Theological Education in Africa (APTEA), an association established to evaluate the extent to which an institution is accomplishing its mission, learning outcomes, goals and objectives in alignment with best practices of education in Africa. APTEA has 41 institutions and organizations in 20 African countries.