By Olivia Obijiaku
Staff and Students of St Joseph Minor Seminary Zaria, have welcomed the newly appointed Rector of the school, Rev Fr. Michael Ibrahim Bazai. The priest, immediate past Parish Priest of St Anthony’s Dakace and former Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dakace Zone, was accompanied to his new place of assignment by his former parishioners; members of CAN from the zone; as well as some other members of Dakace community.
In the absence of the immediate past rector, Rev Fr. Istifanus Katung and the students, who were on holiday, the Academic Officer of the school, Mr. Olufelo Samson welcomed the new administrator on behalf of the community, even as he thanked Fr. Bazai’s former parishioners and all others, who accompanied him, for their sacrifices.
On his part, the new rector thanked the Parish Priest of St. Enda’s Parish, Zaria, Rev Fr. Felix Fidson Mary Zakari, the staff and other members of the seminary community for welcoming him. He also thanked his former parishioners, CAN of Dakace Zone and Dakace Community for supporting him all the way, praying God to reward them abundantly and promising to remember them in his prayers.
In an interview with Trinitas Newspaper, Fr. Bazai disclosed that he would like to be remembered for fostering a nurturing environment that cultivates spiritual growth, academic excellence, and holistic development in students. He intends to ensure balance, by prioritizing spiritual direction, regular prayer life, and academic rigor, while encouraging students to excel in both areas. As a way of ensuring that the institution remains a citadel of learning, despite declining academic performance in the country, he said,
“We will maintain high standards by investing in quality education, recruiting dedicated staff, and providing resources that support academic excellence. We will enhance the school’s image through community engagement, outreach programs, and promoting vocations within the Catholic Diocese of Zaria and beyond.”
Fr. Bazai is interested in fostering vocations and supporting students who are called to the priesthood, providing them spiritual guidance, financial support, and mentorship – pairing students with mentors for guidance and support.
The rector seeks to promote vocations and support disadvantaged students by identifying potential candidates through parish outreaches and recommendations and by assessing candidates’ suitability for priestly formation. Though, just stepping into his new role, he hopes to promote vocations by exploring options for supporting financially disadvantaged students, including scholarships and community partnerships, to foster vocations and inclusivity.
