History & Facts
International Christian University is a theological university born out of a vision to raise the standard of evangelical and theological graduate education in Africa.
A vision raised in 1986.
International Christian University is a theological university born out of a vision to raise the standard of evangelical and theological graduate education in Africa. It began in 1986 as International Christian College and Seminary, founded by Archbishop Prof. C.O. Ezima, who doubles as the president of this great institution.
What started as a college in Lagos has become a school that sends pastors, church planters, ministers, and servants in the vineyard across the continent and beyond — equipping them as soldiers of Christ to teach, preach, minister, and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Forty years of formation.
- Origin1986
Founded as a college
International Christian College and Seminary opens in Lagos under the vision of Archbishop Prof. C.O. Ezima.
- Growth1994
Eight cohorts trained
Through the college era, hundreds of ministers graduate and are sent into the field.
- Charter1995
Granted university status
Becomes International Christian University, registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria.
- Recognition2005
International accreditations
Joins World Wide Accreditation Commission and Association of Christian Theologians.
- Milestone2015
First 1,000th graduate
ICU sends out its thousandth alumnus into pastoral and missional ministry.
- Today2026
Forty years of formation
Continuing the work of theological formation across Africa and beyond.
ICU today.
Accreditations & memberships.
- WWACWorld Wide Accreditation CommissionUSA · 1995
- ACTSAssociation of Christian TheologiansNigeria · 1996
- ETAEvangelical Training AssociationUSA · 2001
- CBICalvary Bible InstituteUSA · 2005
- CACCorporate Affairs CommissionNigeria · 1995
- NUCNational Universities CommissionNigeria · charter