History
History of Bronnum Lutheran Seminary (BLS)
Bronnum Lutheran Seminary (BLS) has a storied and rich history, deeply rooted in the Christian faith and dedicated to preparing leaders for the church and society. The seminary, currently marking 35 years of service, has undergone significant development, evolving from humble beginnings to become a vital institution for theological education in Nigeria.
Early Beginnings: 1951-1974
The journey of Bronnum Lutheran Seminary began in 1951 as a small Hausa Bible School in Numan, Nigeria, with the goal of providing foundational Christian education in the local community. In this early phase, the school was primarily focused on the Bible, using the Hausa language as the medium of instruction.

In 1974, the Bible School was upgraded and relocated to Dashen in Jada Local Government Area. This transformation saw the institution transition from a Bible School into a Bible College, and English became the language of instruction. The curriculum expanded to include more advanced theological education, equipping students to serve effectively in Christian ministry.
Growth and Recognition: 1985-1990
In 1985, after over a decade of growth, the institution achieved another milestone when it officially became a Seminary, now known as Bronnum Lutheran Seminary. The seminary began offering Diplomas in Christian Education and Ministry, further cementing its role as an institution for training church leaders. The same year, the seminary received a significant boost from Rev. Dr. Harvey Nelson, who generously donated his personal library to the institution, helping establish a robust academic foundation for the newly expanded program.
During this period, the leadership of the seminary passed to the late Bishop Phanuel Borkono Agongtara, who served as the first principal, followed by Bishop William Lautai as the second principal. Under their leadership, the seminary’s reputation began to grow, and the academic offerings became increasingly recognized within the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN).

Relocation and Expansion: 1990-Present
In 1990, Bronnum Lutheran Seminary was relocated to Yola, the capital city of Adamawa State, Nigeria, marking a new chapter in the institution’s history. This relocation allowed for greater access to students across Nigeria, particularly in the northeastern region. The move to Yola was essential in positioning the seminary for growth and establishing it as a key center for Christian education and ministry training.
By the year 2020, Bronnum Lutheran Seminary celebrated its 35th anniversary as a seminary. Over the years, the institution has graduated 1,154 students from both its Diploma and Degree programs. The breakdown of these graduates includes:
• Bible College Graduates (1974-1989): 231
• Diploma in Christian Ministry Graduates (1985-2019): 726
• Bachelor’s Degree Graduates (2007-2019): 197
The seminary’s programs continue to evolve, with its affiliation to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) for Diploma programs and the University of Jos for Degree programs being one of the significant milestones. This recognition has further enhanced the academic standing of the seminary, making it a major player in theological education in Nigeria. We are also deeply grateful to the Adamawa State Government and the Ministry of Education for their support in recommending the affiliation of our degree programs to the University of Jos.
Today, 90% of LCCN pastors are alumni of Bronnum Lutheran Seminary, underscoring the institution’s critical role in shaping church leadership within the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria.
Key Contributions and Milestones
Bronnum Lutheran Seminary has been integral to the development of the church in Nigeria and beyond. The seminary’s emphasis on both theological education and practical ministry ensures that graduates are well-prepared to lead congregations, serve in various social sectors, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Through its academic programs and partnerships with major universities, BLS has positioned itself as an institution of academic excellence and spiritual formation. The support of its founding fathers, including the late Bishop Akila Todi, the leadership of Rev. Dr. Harvey Nelson, and other influential figures, has been instrumental in guiding the seminary toward its current success.
As the seminary celebrates its 35th anniversary and looks to the future, BLS remains committed to the mission of training faithful, competent, and compassionate leaders who are prepared to make a positive impact in the church and the world.
A Tribute to Founders and Pioneers
As we look back over the history of Bronnum Lutheran Seminary, we honor the founding fathers who set the course for its success. Special mention must be made of Rev. Dr. Harvey Nelson, who, in 1985, made a significant contribution by donating his books to help establish the seminary’s library. Additionally, the leadership of the first principal, Bishop Phanuel Borkono Agongtara, and the second principal, Bishop William Lautai, laid a strong foundation for academic excellence and spiritual formation at the seminary.



The vision of these early pioneers continues to guide the institution as it strives to meet the evolving needs of the church and society. Their legacy is carried forward by the institution’s students, faculty, and alumni, who continue to contribute to the mission of the church and beyond.