About

St Peter Clatter Seminary, Okpala, is an institution for the training of future priests. It is the oldest Catholic Seminary, East of the Niger. It was established during the Second World War in 1942 by Irish Holy Ghost Missionaries.
The institution was used to teach secondary education, philosophy and theology as the need was then. Some of her earliest products include these deceased prelates: His Eminence Dominic Cardinal Ekandem, first bishop of Ikot Ekpene diocese and Abuja Archdiocese, Rt. Rev. Anthony Nwedo, former bishop of Umuahia, Rt. Rev. G. M. P. Okoye, first bishop of Port Harcourt diocese and former bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. S.N. Ezeanya, former Archbishop of Onitsha and bishop Mark O. Unegbu, former bishop of Owerri.
In 1951, as missionary activities grew in Nigeria, there was the need to separate the Junior and Senior Seminaries. The Senior Seminary relocated to the present day Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu, Enugu State,

From then on these grounds and these structures began to function as a junior Seminary with Fr. Mohan as its first Rector. The Seminary was the first non government owned school to provide secondary education in the present day Imo State and its environs. This has impacted positively in the spiritual, educational, social and economic well being of its products and host community as you all are witnesses today.
The Rectorship and management of the Seminary changed overtime. At various times the following were Rectors: Rev. Fr. John Mohan CSSP (1951 1953), Rev. Fr.Michael Doheny CSSP (1954 1958), Rev. Fr. Kevin Doheny CSSP (1959-1967) Rev. Fr. Sylvester Nworgu (1970 -1971), Msgr. Clement Chigbu (1971 -1974), Rev. Fr. Clement Obielu (1974-1975), Rev. Fr. Lambert Nwigwe (1976-1979), Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Ndiokwere (1979-1982), Rev. Fr. Dr. Richard Onwuanibe (1982-1983), Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Onyeocha (1984-1995), Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Njoku (1995-1998), Rev. Fr. Dr. Raymond Okoroigbo (1998-2000), Rev. Fr. Dr. Celestine Mbanu (2000-2007). Rev. Fr. Victor Eleba. (2007-2013), Rev. Fr. Joseph Enyiaka (2013-2020). The present Rector is Rev. Fr. Henry Ajaero.

The Seminary has always made provisions for those who may not become priests even though primarily the seminary is for training of future priests. It is not surprising then that for many years the seminary has been producing the best results in the West African
School Certificate Examinations. It was the same in the days when London University was conducting General Certificate of Education, at both the Ordinary and Advanced levels. The seminary is fully and strictly a boarding institution and there are presently about 250 seminarians.

St. Peter Claver Seminary has produced prominent academics, eminent professionals, distinguished captains of industries and an innumerable army of iconic figures to the glory of God; thanks to a very resilient and spirit-filled formation garnered at Okpala Seminary.
Recall that the immediate past Inspector General of the Nigeria Police ,Sir Mike M.Okiro is Okpala seminary's gift to the nation.
Prominent Church leaders of the present day that come from here include the following:

The Archbishop of Owerri, His Grace, Most Rev. A.J. V. Obinna Most Rev. V.A. Chikwe, Bishop of Ahiara Diocesse, Most Augustine Ukwuoma, Bishop of Orlu, others are, Rt. Rev.A. lionu, and Rt. Rev. G.O. Ochiagha, Emeritus Bishops of Okigwe and Orlu respectively.

The church has always managed the Seminary without subvention from the government who benefit also from the output of seminary education. There is a growing need now more than ever, for aid and grants because the seminary has suffered dilapidation arising from age and inadequate maintenance.

She needs to be helped out in structural maintenance, provision of teaching airs, procurement of computers and internet facilities. Her transportation worries are ever growing worrisome. Cars and buses are urgently needed as well as sporting facilities.

We shall make history as we strive to be part of events that make positive changes in St.Peter Claver Seminary Okpala.