Edo: Proposed return of mission schools and matters arising

BY USMAN ALIYU

On June 16, Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo announced the state government’s plan to handover some public schools in the state to their original missionary owners.

Okpebholo broke the news during a courtesy visit by Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi.

Dunia, had in his appeal, said previous governments in the state failed to respond positively to multiple requests by the Church for the return of its educational institutions.

The bishop emphasised that the schools were vital for both academic excellence and the moral upbringing needed to shape responsible, value-driven citizens in society.

In a follow-up press statement to the pronouncement, Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, listed 36 schools, which are spread across the state that will be handed over to the Catholic mission.

However, no sooner had the news broke out than it ignited a wave of strong reactions from a cross-section of stakeholders.

The stakeholders argue that such an action could erode equitable access to education, deepen religious tensions, and reverse decades of public investment in secular education.

While Okpebholo has yet to formally present a policy document outlining the modalities of the proposed handover, the pronouncement has triggered concerns across religious, civil society, and education sectors.

Teachers’ unions, Islamic organisations, and development advocates have all expressed apprehension about the broader implications of the move.

In a letter addressed to the governor, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the All-Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) in the state warned that the handover of schools could set a dangerous precedent and ultimately undermine the state’s education system.

The letter was jointly signed by Comrades Bernard Ajobiewe, NUT State Chairman, Rasheed Mayaki, NUT State Secretary, Enomwonbor Julius, ANCOPSS State President, and Efairibhor Peter, AOPSHON State Chairman.

The unions argued that the decision would restrict access to education, especially for children from poor backgrounds, and may result in job losses for government-employed teachers.

“Catholic Missionary Schools prioritise religious instruction over secular education, potentially undermining the State’s efforts to provide inclusive education.

“Catholic Schools are known for charging exorbitant school fees, limiting opportunities for children of poor Nigerians.”

The letter also highlighted the logistical implications, listing key schools in Edo-North that, if returned to missionary control, would leave communities without accessible alternatives.

“For example, Our Lady of Fatima College and St. Angela’s Girls Grammar School, Auchi, are the only government schools serving Jattu.

“If they are handed over, the nearest school is over six kilometres away—a violation of the UBE law,” the unions said.

They cautioned that if the Catholic Church reclaimed the schools, other religious bodies such as the Anglican Communion and Muslim organisations would demand similar treatment, leading to the fragmentation of the public education system.

Sharing the similar concerns, the Edo Council for Islamic Affairs, the umbrella body of Muslim organisations in the state, warned that the proposed handover could deny many students access to free, non-religious education and create conditions for religious marginalisation.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, the council appealed to the governor to shelve the plan pending wider consultations.

“Muslims and others who do not share the Catholic faith are apprehensive about this proposal due to its potential implications.

“The government has over time invested in these schools, providing benefits to all residents regardless of their religious affiliations.”

The council warned that the change could lead to increased school dropouts due to unaffordable fees and lack of alternatives.

“Not every individual or family can afford private school; this will lead to an increase in school dropouts for those who don’t have alternatives.

“The possibility of non-Catholic children being forced to imbibe principles at variance with their present faith when there are no alternatives cannot be ruled out,” Igbinidu said.

The council urged the state government to consult extensively with all stakeholders and ensure that any changes made did not upset the current religious harmony in the state.

Also, in its position, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Edo chapter, is- sued a statement opposing the policy.

The organisation cited historical and socio-political contexts that justified the initial government takeover of missionary schools in the 1970s.

“The takeover was a progressive step aimed at establishing an education system rooted in fairness, accessibility for all, and the recognition of Edo’s diverse, multi-religious populace.”

The group cautioned that handing back public schools to missionary control could reintroduce systemic bias and reduce educational opportunities for non-Christian students.