About St. Thomas Aquinas’ Major Seminary (STAMS), Makurdi

“Seedbed nurturing people ordinary to bear fruit for you, Lord and spread your gospel abroad.” — Seminary Anthem

Institutional Overview
St. Thomas Aquinas’ Major Seminary (STAMS), Makurdi, is a premier higher institution dedicated to the comprehensive academic, spiritual, human, and pastoral formation of candidates for the Roman Catholic Priesthood. The seminary is owned and governed by the Archbishop and the Bishops of the Abuja Ecclesiastical Province of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
Institutional History
St. Thomas Aquinas’ Major Seminary officially began operations on 31st October 1986 as a Spiritual and Preparatory Year, starting with 4 members of staff and 80 students. The institution was formally inaugurated on 25th November 1986.
As the seminary expanded, it established international academic affiliations to maintain the highest standards of ecclesiastical education:

• 1992: STAMS sought affiliation with the Pontificia Università Urbaniana, Rome.
• 2002: The Holy See granted final approval for a full seminary course featuring a seven-year integrated programme of Philosophical and Theological Studies.