HISTORY OF ST. JOHN BOSCO SECONDARY SCHOOL, DOMA
The effective channelling of efforts into the education of Youths was one of the goals the founding fathers sought to achieve in establishing this academic institution. Deriving its name and set goals from the exemplary life and service of its patron saint, St John Bosco Secondary School Doma stands tall among other secondary schools within and outside Nasarawa State.
The prestigious St John Bosco Secondary School Doma was established in 1973 by the Roman Catholic Mission. Being that Doma at that time was under the control f Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, the school was started by Bishop Donald Murray (CSSP), the then Bishop of Makurdi Diocese .The founding fathers under the leadership of the Bishop, established the school with the following aims:
- Giving young men a sound education.
- Teaching the youths and bringing them up in an upright way of life.
- Rescuing young men from evil ways and training them in an honest way through gentleness and kindness.
- Teaching the youths about God the creator and the need to worship Him.
These cardinal objectives were clearly spelt out by the founding fathers and are attributed to the God-inspiring life of St. John Bosco, the Patron saint of the school. It is evident that this has been clearly spelt out in the motto of the school, “Nisi Deus Nihil”, which means without God, nothing. The motto itself is a reflection of the life of St. John Bosco who sought the face of God in touching the lives of people especially the youths. Through the teachings and intercessions of St. John Bosco, the school always seeks the face of God as nothing is possible without Him.
With much reference to historical facts, the school started with Dr. John Hagreaves as its first principal from 1973-1974 and Chris Umeri (Waka About) as its first senior Prefect. As a new academic institution trying to stamp its mark on the face of education in the country, the school kick started academic activities with few students, few classroom blocks and hostels. At that time, the school operated a boarding and day system, which served as an advantage to youths from the host community (Doma).
Administratively, St. John Bosco Secondary school, Doma has been under the competent leadership of seven different principals, with their names stated as follows:
- Dr John Hagreaves1973-1974
- Rev.Fr.Leo Okeke1974-1985
- Rev.Fr.Stanley M. Ogbonna1985-1989
- Mr. Peter Osagede1989-1994
- Rev.Fr.Jude Upaa1994-1999
- Rev.Fr. Augustine Igbum 2000-2011
- Rev. Fr.Victor Davou2011-Till Present Date
In recent times however, St.John Bosco Secondary School Doma ceased to be under the control of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi. At the creation of Lafia Diocese in 2001, covering the whole of Nasarawa state, Doma fell under the jurisdiction of the new Diocese and consequently St.John Bosco.
Drawing from recorded successes, the school has produced the cream in society, successful and exceptional people from all works of life, most of which are occupying distinct and important positions in various departments and sectors of the state, country and the world at large. One of these people is the Andoma of Doma, His Royal Highness Alhaji Aliyu Ahmadu Ogah.