THE MARISTS BROTHERS
The Marist Brothers, also known as the Little Brothers of Mary, were founded by St. Marcellin Champagnat in 1817 in La Valla-en-Gier, France. Champagnat, a French priest, established the congregation after being deeply moved by the lack of religious education among children, particularly after encountering a young boy who knew nothing of the faith. The mission of the Marist Brothers has always been centered around the Christian education of youth, especially those most in need.
The congregation’s work expanded globally over time. The Brothers are now present in over 80 countries, managing schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. Their educational philosophy is rooted in Champagnat’s values of presence, simplicity, family spirit, a love of work, and devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
We Marist brothers are religious consecrated to God, and we follow Jesus in the way that Mary did. We live in community and dedicate ourselves in a special way to the education of children and young people, with a preference for those who are the most neglected. St. Marcellin Champagnat, a priest from France, founded the Congregation of the Marist Teaching Brothers in 1817. We are 2.500 Brothers working in 79 countries on five continents. We directly share our mission and spirituality with more than 72,000 laypeople, and educate together around 654,000 children and young people.
The Marist Brothers of Nigeria belong to the global Marist family, a religious congregation founded by St. Marcellin Champagnat. Their mission focuses on educating children and youth, especially the most vulnerable, in line with their founder’s vision of nurturing Christian values in education.
The Marist Brothers in Nigeria aim to provide quality education infused with Christian values, focusing on solidarity, justice, and love. Their vision is to foster communities that promote peace and holistic development through faith and service to humanity.
Engage with Marist Nigeria by contributing to their educational mission through donations, supporting vocations, or participating in community outreach programs.
For the Marist Brothers of Nigeria, serving God is central to their mission of education and community building. Inspired by their founder, St. Marcellin Champagnat, the Brothers believe that true service to God lies in selflessly dedicating their lives to the education and development of young people, especially the marginalized. They see their work as an expression of their love for God, living out their faith through actions that uplift others.
The Marist Brothers arrived in Nigeria in 1949, marking the beginning of their work in West Africa. Their first mission was established in Orlu, Imo State, through the invitation of the Catholic Church, which sought the expertise of the Brothers in promoting Christian education and fostering the intellectual and spiritual growth of Nigerian youth. The Brothers brought with them the rich Marist tradition of discipline, hard work, and a holistic approach to education.
In Nigeria, the Marist Brothers quickly gained a reputation for excellence in education, establishing a network of primary and secondary schools known for their emphasis on academic rigor and moral formation. Some of the prominent institutions include Marist Comprehensive College, Uturu and Marist Secondary School, Ejule, both of which have been key in shaping the lives of thousands of young Nigerians.
The Brothers in Nigeria also devoted their efforts to teacher training and rural community development, focusing on the needs of marginalized and underprivileged populations. This mission aligned with the Marist Brothers' global philosophy of empowering the less fortunate through education. Marist Juniorate, Uturu, established in 1962, is one of their notable contributions to education in Nigeria. It serves as a sanctuary where young boys, aspiring to become Brothers, are educated and trained in an environment of faith, discipline, and community living. The Juniorate stands as a symbol of the Brothers' commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders.
Over the years, the Marist Brothers in Nigeria have expanded their influence, with several institutions and initiatives aimed at promoting education, spiritual development, and social justice. Their work continues to grow, and their schools are recognized as some of the finest in the country, blending modern educational techniques with a deep-rooted commitment to moral and spiritual values. In addition to education, the Marist Brothers in Nigeria have been active in social outreach programs, especially during crises such as the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), when the Brothers provided shelter, food, and education to displaced children. This spirit of service and dedication to the well-being of society has solidified their reputation in Nigeria as a force for good. Today, the Marist Brothers' Province of Nigeria continues to grow, with Br. Mark Omede Okolo recently installed as the new Provincial Superior. The Province remains committed to the vision of St. Marcellin Champagnat, striving to "look beyond" and to serve children and young people with unwavering dedication to both academic excellence and moral integrity. The legacy of the Marist Brothers in Nigeria is one of transformative education and leadership, deeply rooted in the values of faith, compassion, and a tireless commitment to the betterment of society.
