Our History

Foundations of Catholic Worship at UCH The history of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, is deeply intertwined with the establishment of UCH itself and the presence of Catholic expatriates within the institution. UCH, a premier medical institution in Nigeria, had its first governor, Lord Parker, who was a Catholic. His faith and leadership played a pivotal role in fostering a Catholic presence within the hospital community. Given that many of the early medical professionals and expatriates at UCH were Catholics, it was only natural for pastoral care to be provided by fellow expatriates. The SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary in Bodija, a significant Catholic formation center, became instrumental in offering pastoral services to the staff, students, and patients of the hospital. One of the key figures in this arrangement was Fr. Engelbert Beyer, a priest from the SS. Peter and Paul Seminary, who was not only involved in pastoral work but also played a crucial role in training seminarians in pastoral theology. His focus was on equipping young priests with the skills to provide compassionate spiritual care to patients and hospital staff. Establishment of a Permanent Place of Worship For many years, Catholic worship within UCH was conducted in temporary locations, with priests from Bodija providing spiritual guidance. However, the need for a dedicated Catholic worship center within UCH grew, leading to efforts to secure a permanent site. Interestingly, the present location of St. Luke’s Catholic Church was initially allocated to the Muslim community for their annual Eid-el-Fitr prayers. However, the site proved to be too far from most parts of the hospital, prompting Muslim leaders, including Alhaji Bayero and the Emir of Kano, to request a new and more central location. Their request was granted, paving the way for the allocation of the site to the Catholic community. Construction and Architectural Challenges With the land secured, efforts to build a permanent church began. However, the construction process faced multiple challenges, particularly concerning the architectural vision for the church. Over time, several architects were engaged, but differing perspectives led to changes in leadership. During this period, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD) between 1990 and 1998, Prof. Ajayi, played a crucial role in ensuring the realization of the project. His tenure saw significant progress in securing the church’s location and advancing construction efforts. Fr. John Pinheroo, ordained in 1983, was instrumental in the development of the church council and fundraising activities. A notable fundraising event was His Grace’s birthday celebration at UCH, which helped generate support for the church’s completion. The architectural plan included a church hall, a priest’s residence, and parking space. Additionally, considerations were made to ensure proper water drainage, leading to the creation of a hole for water passage. Among the architects involved, the fourth and final architect was a particularly notable figure, recognized as the first president of the Catholic youth movement in Nigeria. Catholic Growth within UCH and Beyond The establishment of St. Luke’s Catholic Church within UCH marked a significant step in strengthening Catholic presence in the hospital. However, it is important to note that the Catholic influence in Ibadan predated the church’s construction at UCH. For instance: The Catholic Parish in Yemetu was established before St. Luke’s. Oke-Padi Parish later expanded, leading to the development of Oke-Ofa Parish. St. Gabriel’s Parish in Mokola played a key role in funding the establishment of Yemetu Parish. The first parish priest of Yemetu was Fr. Cantelan, and subsequent leadership transitions saw Fr. Chiaka becoming the first Nigerian parish priest of Yemetu. The Catholic engagement within UCH also extended beyond pastoral care. The Catholic Hostel within UCH, which provides accommodation for students and staff, was approved under the leadership of Prof. Alonge, further reinforcing Catholic contributions to the hospital community. Reflections and the Role of St. Luke’s Today Today, St. Luke’s Catholic Church, UCH, stands as a testament to the faith, resilience, and dedication of the Catholic community within the institution. It is not merely a place of worship but a spiritual and social hub for staff, students, and patients. As the community looks forward, questions arise: Are we a living, thriving Catholic community within UCH? Are we playing an active role in the Ibadan Archdiocese? How are we contributing to the Catholic Church in Nigeria? Just as an individual examines their conscience daily, the church community is called to continually reflect on its impact and contributions, ensuring that it remains a beacon of faith and service within UCH and beyond.