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Catholic Church in Nigeria Seeks to Transform Catechesis in U.S. Partnership

The team of six Nigerians sent to the United States by CBCN in a group photograph with the CBCN president Archbishop Lucius Ugorji. Credit: ACI Africa

Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have launched an initiative to enhance faith formation by sending a team of six Nigerians to the United States to study advanced methods of catechesis and evangelization. 

The move aims to invigorate practical faith application in Nigeria and establish the country’s first ever National Institute for Catechesis and Evangelization.

In a Friday, January 18 interview with ACI Africa, Femi Emmanuel Adeojo, National Coordinator for the New Evangelization under CBCN, underscored the need for transformative catechesis. 

“We are working to ensure that catechesis in Nigeria forms not only the head but also the heart and hands, making the faith alive and practical in people’s lives,” Mr. Adeojo said.

The initiative traces its roots to 2013 when Adeojo visited the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, and attended a catechetical conference at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. 

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Inspired by the catechetical framework in the U.S., Adeojo initiated discussions with the university about adopting a similar model in Nigeria. This partnership led to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the university and the CBCN. 

As a result, the Franciscan University supported Nigeria’s first National Catechetical Summit in 2017 and awarded scholarships to six Nigerians for advanced catechetical training.

The current delegation includes Clergy, Religious, and lay leaders. These are Fr. Sondi Waraka Yunana, Fr. John Hayi Ferdinand, Sr. Mary Brendan Chiwi Ezebu, Sr. Osofu Theresa Eta, Francis Adeusi, and Adeojo himself.

“The expectation is high, even for us that are here. Our eyes have been opened to many realities of what to do and how to go about the work of evangelization in Nigeria. If you look at our parishes, the type of catechesis we have now is more or less that of the rote method, Mr. Adeojo said.

He added, “It educates the head but misses the heart and hands. We’ve seen here that effective catechesis must foster a personal conversion to Christ, which is the essence of evangelization.”

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The delegation aims to establish a National Catechetical Institute offering comprehensive formation, including degree programs in evangelization. 

“Properly formed Catechists can inspire transformative faith,” Mr. Adeojo said.

He acknowledged challenges in Nigeria’s evangelization efforts, including economic pressures, insecurity, and declining youth spirituality. 

The Catholic official called for a shift from building structures to developing strong, faith-filled communities and urged parish priests to reclaim their central role in catechesis.

“Our culture, with values like respect for elders and communal living, aligns with gospel values,”  Mr. Adeojo said.

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Despite obstacles, he remains hopeful. 

“With improved faith formation, we can build a stronger Church. Our young people must see themselves as beacons of hope,” he said.

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.