West Africa
Theological Seminary

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Testimonial

“Jesus believed in wholistic ministry. He taught, he preached, he healed, he fed multitudes, and he challenged the status quo. He delivered captives in distress. He cured human need . . . So, this event is a symbolic act which proclaims the Lord's jubilee to a continent so very deeply in need of what God can do.»

Dr. William Sillings

An Overview of West Africa Theological Seminary

West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS) opened its doors in 1989. After nineteen years of growth it is now poised for even more dynamic national and international training for the Church in Africa - one of the fastest-growing segments of the body of Christ worldwide. WATS is uniquely equipped and located to train the Christian leaders of Africa´s next generation.

Who We Are

West Africa Theological Seminary traces its history to a historic visit to Owerri, Imo State, in April, 1989, by a group of Nigerian and expatriate Christian leaders. The visit was led by Rev. and Rev. (Mrs.) Gary S. Maxey of the USA, who had previously worked in religious education at Port Harcourt for seven years. The April 1989 trip to Owerri led to a decision to establish a strong and academically competent nondenominational theological seminary in Nigeria.

WATS is ultimately a response to the need to help train the thousands of pastors, evangelists, missionaries and teachers of Christian religion in Nigeria and other African countries. In the past, these faithful men and women have had inadequate opportunities for sound theological training. WATS has stepped into that gap by launching educational programs ranging from a two-year Christian Worker´s Certificate to a Master´s Degree. All of these programs have been developed with high academic standards. In addition, WATS has developed the Church Planting Institute, various IT computer programs, an International School of Evangelism, the Institute of Christian Studies (ICS), and expanded to four Masters´ programs. Here is a quick summary:

• Nigeria´s largest interdenominational seminary
• Affiliated with the University of Nigeria (B.A. in Religious Studies)
• Approved by the Nigerian Army for training chaplains
• A broadly interdenominational school with an evangelical and Wesleyan focus

What We Do

WATS delivers the training and spiritual formation that Church leaders need. Here is a summary of our specialized programs:

1. A four-year university affiliated Degree Program with special tracks in Theology, Bible, Missions, Music and Christian education
2. Four Masters programs: a two-year MA in Biblical Studies; a two-year MA in Intercultural Studies, a three-year Master of Divinity degree, and an MA in Christian Leadership designed exclusively for top church leaders.
3. WATS Computer Consultancy, with computer courses for all WATS students, including a Certificate and Diploma in Computer Technology.

For more information, check out our Academic Programs.

Where We Are

WATS is physically located in Lagos, Nigeria. Lagos is the largest black city in the world. And Nigeria, with 160 million people, is the geographic hub of Africa. Nigeria embraces 40 percent the English-speaking Christian population on the African continent. Lagos is a magnet for Christian leaders who want to make a difference. And WATS is at the center of that magnet. For more information, check out the campus.

What We Have

Here are some more facts about WATS:

• A student body from 80 denominations and 40 ethnic groups
• A teaching faculty with excellent and diverse training
• A primary focus on spiritual formation and an unusually strong focus on cross-cultural missions
• An unparalleled combination of resident and adjunct faculty