29/09/2025
Methodist Institutions in Igede Land, Benue State: A Current Overview
The Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN) has long been a pillar of spiritual leadership and social transformation across Nigeria. In Igede land, primarily covering Oju and Obi Local Government Areas of Benue State, the Church’s presence is marked by its investments in education, healthcare, and moral development.
The just-concluded Apostolic Tour of the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, which ended on Sunday, September 28, 2025, in the Archdiocese of Igede, has further affirmed the Church’s commitment to deepening its mission in the region. This pastoral visit was not only a spiritual milestone but also a strategic moment for strengthening partnerships with cultural, traditional, and political leaders of the Igede nation.
Methodist College of Health Technology, Ebenta
Located near Oju, the Methodist College of Health Technology, Ebenta stands as one of the leading health training institutions in Igede land. Established to address the acute shortage of trained medical personnel in rural communities, the college focuses on training Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and other health professionals.
The institution currently holds provisional accreditation and offers diploma programs in health sciences. With active efforts underway to achieve full accreditation, the college continues to expand its facilities and programs in alignment with national standards.
Its mission reflects the Methodist Church’s holistic vision, serving the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of individuals. The Ebenta campus remains a beacon of hope for rural healthcare development in the region.
Methodist High School, Ainu
The Methodist High School in Ainu, situated in Oju Local Government Area, embodies the Church’s commitment to providing accessible, values-based secondary education to the youth of Igede land.
Rooted in Methodist ethics, the school provides a curriculum that develops both academic competence and spiritual discipline. Though further documentation is needed to capture its full scope, the school has remained a reliable institution for nurturing future leaders grounded in faith and learning.
Strengthening Synergy with Igede Leadership
The Prelate’s Apostolic Tour, which concluded on Sunday, was a deeply impactful event that extended beyond the walls of the church. During his time in Igede land, the Prelate met with traditional rulers, cultural custodians, political stakeholders, and community leaders, fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose.
This unprecedented synergy between the Church and the traditional leadership of Igede land is expected to unlock new opportunities for social development, including:
• Expansion of Methodist educational and health institutions
• Youth empowerment and vocational programs
• Strengthening of cultural identity within a Christian ethical framework
The visit has been described by local observers as a turning point in the Church’s relationship with the wider Igede community.
Conclusion
The Methodist Church is not only planting churches, it is planting institutions that transform lives. Through key establishments like the Methodist College of Health Technology, Ebenta, and Methodist High School, Ainu, the Church is delivering on its mission of holistic ministry.
Now, with the just-concluded Apostolic Tour of the Prelate and the strong bonds being forged with traditional and political leaders of the Igede nation, the Methodist Church is entering a new chapter, one marked by collaborative development, mutual respect, and community empowerment.
As the Methodist mission in Igede grows stronger, so too will the impact on education, healthcare, morality, and leadership in the region.
“Not only the soul, but also the mind and body” this is the holistic mission of Methodism in Igede land.