Located on the South Bank of River Benue in the heart of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State in Central Nigeria, Mt. St. Gabriel’s Secondary School, Makurdi had a humble beginning about 55 years ago, precisely, on the 14th of January, 1964 when the then Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Bishop James Hagan, C.S.Sp., established the school in order to cater for the educational needs of communities within and near the town. He appointed Father Stanislaus Roman, C.S.Sp., as the ...read more
foundation principal of the school. Since the permanent site was not yet developed at that time, it was decided that the school should use one of the buildings belonging to the Spiritan Press within Holy Ghost Cathedral as housing and class rooms. This place is now called Holy Ghost Parish, Makurdi.
Mount Saint Gabriel’s started with a group of seventy-two boys in a temporary class hall. Father Stanislaus Roman C.S.Sp., the pioneer principal, together with Michael O’Neill Brian Hall – both British Voluntary Service Officers (V.S.O’s)- were the first tutors the school had.
The pioneer students studied very hard and in their spare time, some of them volunteered to assist in the carrying of blocks to lay the foundation of four new blocks of burnt brick buildings on the permanent site, located to the south of Holy Ghost Parish. When the four buildings were completed by the end of 1964, the school moved to its permanent site and the four burnt brick buildings were the first set of buildings that were used. These buildings still stand and are currently being used as Saint Lwanga, Saint Mukassa, Saint Tuzinde and Saint Mugaga dormitories.
More students were admitted after the school moved to its permanent site. In the following years, additional buildings were erected to accommodate the increasing number of students.
Mission Statement
“To seek and to help young people to develop harmoniously their physical, intellectual, moral and spiritual talents and qualities so that they will grow up to feel, judge, and act always and consistently in accordance with right reason, enlightened by the example and teaching of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
Vision of the School
“To be the foremost secondary school for producing first-rate graduates in science and art who will combine academic excellence with knowledge and law of God and a strong sense of ethical responsibility to develop selves and society”
