The Rt. Rev’d Jacob Wutokwe Kwashi was born on January 24, 1963, in Kabwir, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. He was the last of nine children born to the family of the late Pa John Amos and Ma Elsie Kwashi. His formative years were shaped by his maternal grandmother, the late Kaka Keziah Nenpan Goyang—an educator, disciplinarian, and devout Christian—who had a profound influence on his life.

He began his primary education at EKAS Primary School, Pankshin (1970–1975), and continued at LEA Primary School, Shendam (1975–1977), completing it at LEA Pankshin in 1978. Although initially reluctant to pursue further education due to childhood desires (notably, a denied Chopper bicycle), he later enrolled in Government Secondary School, Bet-Pankshin (1979–1984), where he was a renowned footballer.

On April 17, 1984, a pivotal encounter with Jesus Christ at his elder brother’s house in St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, GRA Zaria, marked a turning point in his life. After a year of spiritual waiting and reflection, he received a clear conviction to join the ministry in 1985, despite skepticism from his elder brother. With the encouragement of his sister-in-law, Mummy Gloria Kwashi, he followed his calling.

His ministerial journey began on August 1, 1986, as an Agent Catechist at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Kurmin Gwari Kakuri, Kaduna. He also oversaw St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Sabon Gari, Nassarawa. After a brief visit to the United States (1987–1988), he commenced theological studies at Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan (1988–1991). He was ordained a Deacon in June 1991 and a Priest in June 1992 by the Rt. Rev’d Titus Ogbonyomi.

On June 6, 1992, he married Rhoda Hussaina after 11 months of courtship. Their union has been richly blessed with biological, foster, and spiritual children.

Pastoral Appointments

Bishop Kwashi has served in numerous churches across Nigeria in various capacities:

• St. Luke’s Church Kurmin Gwari Kakuri, Kaduna (Agent Catechist, 1986–1988)

• St. Matthew’s Church Kabala West, Kaduna (1991–1993)

• St. Christopher’s Church, Kaduna (Curate, 1993–1994; Vicar, 1998–2001; 2005–2010)

• Holy Trinity Church, Television Kaduna (1994–1995)

• St. Stephen’s Church, Sabon Tasha Kaduna (1995)

• St. Matthew’s Church, Vom Vet, Jos (1995–1996)

• St. Andrew’s Church, Vom Jos (1996–1997)

• All Saints’ Church Samaru, Zaria (2003–2004)

• St. Andrew’s Church GRA Zaria (2004–2005)

• Provost, Cathedral of St. Michael, Kaduna (2010–2011)

Episcopal Journey

He was preferred Canon in 1998 and Archdeacon in 2004 by The Most Rev’d Josiah Idowu-Fearon. In 2010, he became the Provost of the Cathedral of St. Michael, Kaduna. On July 6, 2011, at the Episcopal meeting held at the Ibru Ecumenical Centre in Delta State, he was elected the third Bishop of Zonkwa Diocese. He was consecrated on September 25, 2011, at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, Ikeja, and enthroned on September 29, 2011.

Educational Background

• Primary School Certificate (1970–1978)

• GCE (O’Level) (1979–1983)

• Diploma in Theology, Immanuel College, Ibadan (1988–1991)

• Bachelor of Divinity, Theological College of Northern Nigeria, Bukuru (1995–1997)

• M.A. in Theology, Ridley College (University of Melbourne), Australia (2001–2003)

• Leadership Training, Anglican Leadership Institute, South Carolina, USA (2016)

Leadership & Service

Bishop Kwashi has held various leadership roles within and outside the Church:

• Chairman, Board of Directors, Christian Institute, Jos

• Former Lecturer, St. Francis of Assisi College of Theology, Wusasa, Zaria

• Board Member, Bishop Crowther College of Theology, Okene

• Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Zangon-Kataf LGA (since 2020)

A gifted theologian, teacher, and preacher, Bishop Jacob Wutokwe Kwashi is known for his evangelical fervor and deep commitment to shepherding God’s people. His ministry continues to impact lives across religious, cultural, and denominational lines.