HISTORY OF PENTECOSTAL INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SEMINARY (PIBS)
The Christian Pentecostal Mission International (CPM) gave birth to Pentecostal International
Bible Seminary (PIBS) in 1980. The vision of the founding father; Rev Dr. O Ezekiel was
growing faster, thus he was inspired by the scripture “the harvest is really plenty but laborers are
few” (Matthew 9:37). Hence, there is a need for trained personnel who will help in meeting the
needs of the growing church.
The door of the seminary was opened to as many willing members who were ready for
the training. The seminary began with a six (6) months training for certificate in Christian
ministry with twelve students starting off. One of the pioneer students dropped three months
after enrolment based on personal reasons. Thus only eleven (11) students graduated.
After the graduation, some of the graduated students were posted to different locations where
new CPM branches were planted within Lagos metropolis and South East particularly Onitsha,
while others were retained at CPM headquarters.
It’s worthy of note that out of the eleven pioneer graduants of PIBS, only two (Rev Dr. Prince
Tony Akwashiki and Rev Marius O. Alugwe) are still standing strong with Christian Pentecostal
Mission international till date. Some left the ministry along the line while others have gone to be
with the Lord in glory.
Due to the limited certificate program offered in PIBS at that time, upon graduation, the pioneer
students were encouraged to further their theological knowledge at other sister theological
seminary. Testimonies of the impact of the knowledge expressed by the pioneer students, trigged
the number of students that enrolled for the next training set. The number of enrollee for each
succeeding year increased exponentially. In 1989, PIBS graduated the first set of Diploma
students. By 1993 through the gains of sufficient expertise and seminary board appointment of
more seasoned lecturers, the first set of Bachelor degree students was graduated.
Presently PIBS offer degree programs to Ph. D level and graduating sounded and seasoned
Christians yearly.
PIBS since the time of inception have enjoyed excellent leadership that managed and
coordinated the administration of the seminary. The First Principal of the seminary was Rev
Okosun. He was a seasoned scholar and a committed Christian. He worked so hard with the
founding father, some other part time lecturer to nurture the students within the limited time. Rev
Okosun was succeeded by Rev Dan Silesi as the Rector. Rev Dan Silesi was succeeded by Rev
O. C Ernest. Rev O. C Ernest was succeeded by Professor Donatus Emmanuel, who is the
current rector of PIBS. Professor Donatus Emmanuel is a well vast theologian, with a balanced
understanding of the bible.