The Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Gbamwuan Nyitsse was born on July 6, 1959, in Mbagen, Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria, to Mr. Nyitsse Ikpa and Mrs. Esther Nyiku Nyitsse, both of blessed memory. His early life was rooted in Christian values, having been baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and later confirmed in the Anglican Communion in 1975.

Education and Training

Bishop Nyitsse began his education at Abwa Primary School, Mbagen, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate in 1974. In pursuit of practical skills, he attended the Institute of Stenography, Otukpo, in 1981 to study Accounts and Typing, and later obtained the GCE Ordinary Level Certificate in 1985.

He furthered his education at the Plateau School of Accountancy and Management Studies (PSAMS), Jos, where he earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting in 1992. Called to deeper theological training, he completed several programs, including:

• Certificate in Theology – Christian Institute, Jos (1993)

• Bachelor of Divinity – Christian Institute, Jos (2003)

• Diploma in Theology – COCIN Extension Theological College, Jos (2006)

• Diploma in Computer Applications – ECWA Computer Institute, Jos (2004)

He also underwent specialized ministry and leadership training, including:

• Train the Trainers Course – Children Evangelism Ministry, Jos (1987)

• Entrepreneurship Development Training – CBN Programme, Gboko (2016)

• Capacity Building Training – Volunteers Refuge Foundation Worldwide, Gboko (2021)

Clerical Journey and Ecclesiastical Leadership

Bishop Nyitsse’s ministerial journey began in earnest as a Christian Religious Instructor from 1975 to 1976, followed by his service as a Church Agent (1977–1981). His accounting skills were utilized early on in church administration, serving as Typist and Accounts Clerk at the Makurdi Archdeaconry, Diocese of Jos (1982–1983), and later in the Accounts Department of the Diocese of Owerri in 1984.

From 1985 to 2003, he served with distinction as the Diocesan Finance Officer of the Diocese of Jos. His passion for financial integrity and administrative order also led him to the role of Financial Secretary in the Anglican Diocese of Bukuru (2006–2007).

His ecclesiastical preferments include:

• Ordained Deacon – 1993

• Ordained Priest – 1994

• Honorary Canon – 2002

• Statutory Canon – 2004

• Venerable – 2005

He served in key leadership positions across several dioceses and archdeaconries:

• Archdeacon of Jos South Archdeaconry, Diocese of Jos (2002–2005)

• Archdeacon of Vom Archdeaconry, Diocese of Jos/Bukuru (2005–2007)

• Archdeacon of Makurdi Archdeaconry, Diocese of Makurdi (2007–2008)

He also chaired the Clergy Forum of the Province of Jos (2005–2007), coordinated the Christian Men’s Fellowship (CMF) in Jos Diocese (2003–2005), and played a pivotal role in Anglican–Roman Catholic ecumenical dialogue, organizing the Ecumenism Forum in 2002.

Episcopacy

In 2009, The Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Nyitsse was consecrated as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Gboko, a newly created diocese in Benue State, Nigeria. Since then, he has continued to serve with unwavering dedication, becoming the first resident bishop in Gboko City.

Under his episcopal leadership, the Diocese of Gboko has experienced remarkable growth in mission, structure, and spiritual formation. His tenure is marked by strong pastoral leadership, administrative prudence, and a passion for evangelism and discipleship.

Family Life

Bishop Nyitsse is happily married to Mrs. Victoria Terumbur Nyitsse, and their marriage is blessed with four children