Our History

Construction of the Seminary began in July 1987. It opened its doors on September 5, 1988, with 72 students in the 1st and 2nd years of the Latin-sciences option. From 1988 to 1994, the St Jean Minor Seminary was directed by Mgr Simon Habyarimana, then Vicar General of the Diocese of Ruhengeri, with Father Vincent Barugahare serving as vice-rector during the 1993–1994 school year. Because of the war and insecurity, the Seminary temporarily operated at St Léon Minor Seminary in Kabgayi in 1993, in Rwaza in 1994, and again at St Léon Minor Seminary in Kabgayi during the 1994–1995 and 1995–1996 school years. From 1996 to 2001, the Seminary was directed by Father Michel Nsengumurenyi, with Father Fabien Hagenimana serving as vice-rector during the 2000–2001 school year. He was succeeded by Father Cassien Mulindahabi, who served until 2005. Currently, Father Jean-Bosco Baribeshya, as Prefect of Studies, also carries out duties related to the rectorate. The supreme leader of the Minor Seminary is His Excellency Monsignor Kizito Bahujimihigo, Bishop of the Diocese of Ruhengeri.

The other priests who formed the priestly training team at the Seminary are: a) As Prefects of Studies: Father Nizeyumuremyi Patrice, Father Niyonsaba Isaïe, Father Etienne Lévi, Father Pierre Claver Habiyambere, Father Grégoire Hakizimana, and Father Jean-Bosco Baribeshya. b) As Treasurers: Father Diogene Bideri, Father Gabriel Kigozi, Father Pierre Claver Habiyambere, Father Emmanuel Gasirabo, Father Léopold Zirarushya, Father Valens Niyitegeka, Father André Ntungiyehe, Father Cassien Mulindahabi, and Father Bonaventure Bwanakweri. c) As Spiritual Fathers: Abbot Pierre Ntakarakorwa (Senior), Abbot Placide Duhirimana, Abbot Fabien Hagenimana, and André Nzitabakuze. Other members included Fathers Jean Baptiste Sano and Grégoire Bareke. Abbot Déogratias Niyibizi and Joseph Kasasa taught at St Jean Seminary as visiting professors.

Over the years, the seminary has grown from a small institution to a renowned educational center, expanding its facilities and curriculum to meet the needs of modern education.

The seminary has consistently ranked among the top performing schools in its region and nationally. The seminary offers a robust O-level foundation and specialised A-level combinations, especially stream I (Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology).

Infrastructure and modernization, since its foundation it showed development in school properties for example: different playgrounds, laboratories for sciences and computers. Our seminary also has grown in level of music as it is regarded as the fountain of music in our community. Now it has about 2 music halls with different instruments. More importantly our seminary has a very beautiful chapel which is the heart of our seminary where seminarians praise the Lord exceedingly.

The seminary continues to uphold its tradition of excellence, fostering holistic development in seminarians through academic rigor, spiritual guidance, and extracurricular activities. As in national examinations and many other competences comes in school with best grades and best performance. This is achieved through a dedicated staff, a supportive community, and a curriculum that balances intellectual growth with moral and spiritual formation.

Today, Petit Seminaire Saint-Jean Nkumba stands as a beacon of learning, preparing seminarians to become responsible citizens and leaders in society. To date, the number of students who have studied at the Petit Séminaire St Jean Nkumba is estimated at 2320 students. Among them, 84 were able to reach the priesthood, the others are still in training or are involved elsewhere in secular life (there are also some who have died).