Founded by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) of Great Britain in 1923, Uzuakoli Institute (UI) was the first secondary school in Igboland. In 1931, it was renamed Methodist College. The establishment of the school is credited to a group of missionaries led by Rev. Herbert Lewis Octavia Williams, who became the first principal.
Between its inception and 1959, Methodist College was primarily administered by British missionaries. Notable among them were Rev. Hardy, Rev. Carver, Rev. Aggrey, Rev. Woods, Rev. McGarr, Mr. William H. Spray, and Mr. B. Hall—the last missionary principal. Mr. Kanu Achinivu became the first Nigerian-born principal. More recent leaders include Mr. Onokala, Mr. Anyaoha, Mr. Chukwu Ogbonnaya, Mr. Nwauche, Mr. Godwin O. O. Uzoechi, Dr. Chukwumereije, and Chief Sir Mike Emezue, who served from 2008 to 2012. On September 14, 2012, the Abia State government, under Governor Chief T.A. Orji, returned Methodist College to its original owners, the Methodist Mission Nigeria.
Located on approximately 93 acres (38 hectares) of land in Umuachama Amamba village, Uzuakoli district, Abia State, the college’s history is closely tied to the renowned Uzuakoli Leprosy Research Center. This research center was founded and led by Rev. (Dr.) T.F. Davey from Great Britain, who also played a significant role in the college’s development.
Methodist College is built on strong Christian values, with the motto “You First, I Second.” The college anthem is taken from the Methodist Hymn Book No. 64, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty the King of Creation.” By 1953, the college had expanded to include three academic branches: the Secondary School, High School, and Teacher Training Center. The Teacher Training program was eventually moved off-campus, while the High School program was discontinued in 1973. The “Castle,” a distinctive square-shaped student residence, was constructed in 1930 and housed up to 150 students at a time.
Although today the college serves around 400 day students, it once boasted a population of 1,500 boarding students in the late 1970s. During this period, students were housed in twelve dormitories based on their campus location.
At its peak, Methodist College offered students opportunities for holistic development—culturally, spiritually, socially, and academically. The school had various clubs and societies, including the Arts and Debating Society, Science Club, Scripture Union, Horticultural Society, and the Society for the Promotion of Igbo Language and Culture. The college earned numerous accolades, including the 1980 National Quiz Championship and the 1978 Imo State Debating Championship.
Academically, Methodist College consistently graduated students with full High School Certificate (HSC) qualifications and credits in the West African School Certificate (WASC), equivalent to the British General Certificate of Education (GCE).
Notable Alumni:
Rt. Hon. Dr. Michael Okpara – Former Premier of Eastern Region, Nigeria
Ambassador Jonah Chinyere Achara – Former Agent-General and High Commissioner for Eastern Nigeria to the United Kingdom & Northern Ireland
Prof. Anezi Okolo – Professor of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Dr. Edwin Ogbu – Former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations
Dr. Edward Ikem Okeke – Former Deputy President of the PRP Party and Presidential Special Adviser, Nigeria’s Second Republic
Dr. Ernest Ukpaby – Former Dean of Students Affairs, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
His Grace, the Most Rev. Rogers Uwadi – Archbishop of Umuahia Archdiocese of the Methodist Church Nigeria
Rt. Hon. Sir Justice Egbert Udo Udoma – Former Judge of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Chief Justice of Uganda, Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Chairman of Nigeria’s 1978 Constituent Assembly
Dr. Clement Isong – Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Governor of Cross River State (1979–1983)
Chief Onyema Ugochukwu – Former Director of Daily Times of Nigeria and former Chairman of Niger Delta Development Corporation
Prof. O.C. Onwudike – Former Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and official at the Nigerian University Commission, Abuja
Ngadi C.N. – Managing Partner, J.Whyte Consulting, London
Methodist College Uzuakoli stands as a significant institution in Igbo history, with its legacy rooted in academic excellence and Christian values.
