A report that about 14 seminarians have been expelled from the seminary by the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi for using iPhones has been trending on social media, with many people expressing discomfort over the church’s decision.
Responding to the development, Teacher Timothy Ngutor Utim, a quality education advocate, moral character coach and withdrawn seminarian, declared full support for the church, the bishop and the formators. He said he stands with the decision to send the young men back to their parents so they can explore other walks of life.
Utim revealed that he was himself withdrawn from the path to the priesthood and was present at the 2026 priestly ordination of the diocese where the issue arose. About four of the ordinands, now priests, were his classmates. He said he witnessed seminarians “gisting” and operating their phones during Mass, and noted that some refused to kneel during the chanting of the Litany of the Saints even while the entire congregation, priests and two bishops were on their knees.
He argued that certain professions and vocations, including teaching, medicine and the priesthood, deal directly with human lives and cannot afford to ignore warning signs, however small. One mistake by such professionals, he said, is capable of ruining millions of lives. Utim questioned how seminarians who are expected to be knowledgeable in church doctrine could refuse to kneel while bishops were kneeling, and wondered whether such individuals would later seek to change the liturgy to soothe themselves once they become priests.
The commentator criticised those who defend the expelled seminarians while also condemning modern priests for liturgical abuse, describing the mixed messages as confusing. He insisted that anyone who cannot abide by the rules of an organisation should leave it, and that those who believe the rules need reform should follow the proper process rather than do as they please. He lamented what he described as a growing competition among seminarians and priests over who uses the most expensive gadgets, calling it a shame.
Utim concluded that anyone uncomfortable with the decision of Bishop Anagbe and his team of formators is free to establish their own seminary and appoint formators of their choice.
