Brief History of Clifford University, Owerrinta

Clifford University Owerrinta is a newly chartered institution by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education, following comprehensive evaluations and recommendations from the National Universities Commission (NUC). The institution is now part of the 144 tertiary institutions globally operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The origins of Clifford University can be traced back to 1905, when Pastor and Mrs. Jesse Clifford, missionaries from England, were sent to West Africa by the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. After their work in Sierra Leone and Ghana, the Cliffords arrived in Abua, Rivers State, in 1920, and later moved to Oghor-Hill Aba in 1923. There, they established the foundation for Adventist education in Eastern Nigeria.

RECOMMENDED>>>Clifford University Opens Admissions for 2024/2025 Academic Session

In Aba, Pastor Clifford founded a primary school and laid the groundwork for Adventist education in the region. His efforts led to the creation of additional primary schools and a Bible School, with notable contributions from local figures such as Robert Abaribe and Daniel Onyeodor. Among his students were Nelson Ihmuka, Wilson Uzuegbu, and Abraham Nzotta. The Cliffords also secured land for their residence with the help of Chief Nwogu and the Umuola Egbelu community and from there, more milestones are still attained by the institution.

Clifford University Owerrinta’s charter marks a significant milestone in the expansion of Adventist education in Nigeria.