On June 16, 2025, Governor Monday Okpebholo announced the handing over of public schools to missionary organisations during a courtesy visit by Gabriel Dunia, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese. Little did he know that what he thought to be a good gesture would be his undoing. IDRIS UMAR MOMOH writes that unions in the education sector, Muslim groups, CSOs, among others, rose against the governor in protest against the policy
There is no doubt that since his assumption of office as the governor of the Edo State on November 12, 2024, a great number of residents in the state irrespective of political divides have absolutely given their blessings and support to the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo especially in programmes and policies so far initiated and embarked on.
This support was evident in the rousing welcome that always greets the governor whenever he visits communities for inspection of projects or in public outings.
The construction of the first ever-state government flyover at Ramat park at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state, proposal to construct more in the state capital, several ongoing road projects across the three Senatorial districts, schools renovation and rehabilitation among others have endeared the governor more to the heart of the populace.
The fight against kidnapping, cultism and other social vices which have been impacting negatively on the life and economy of the state also got the laudable blessings and support from the traditional institutions, members of the civil society organisations, among others.
The less than eight-month administration of the All Progressives Congress-led government in the state has been described, especially by members of the party, as achieving more than 80 percent in governance than its predecessor.
However, in spite of the applause, the policies taken by the governor within the last two weeks have pitted him against some members of the public. Among the policies that are not going down well with the people, particularly those that seem geared towards improving the well-being of the rural residents and the masses, are the planned return of public primary and secondary schools to missionary organisations, particularly the Catholic mission.
The planned borrowing of N100 billion from First Bank of Nigeria Plc for the provision of contractor finance loan facility to be disbursed to nominated contractors, which has been approved by the State House of Assembly, buying of new branded SUV vehicles worth approximately N1.2 billion to 17 local government chairmen out of the 18 in the state are also receiving backlash from the people.
But the return of 36 public schools to the Catholic mission seemed to generate more public concern and reactions, which the people described as an illegal and misplaced government priority.
The governor had on June 16, 2025, during a courtesy visit by Gabriel Dunia, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, announced the return of eight schools in the Edo North Senatorial district to the missionary organisations.
Barely a week after the announcement, the governor rolled out a list of an additional 28 public schools to be handed over to the Catholic mission across the three Senatorial districts.
According to the governor, this policy shift, decades after the forceful takeover of Catholic schools by the civil government in the 1970s, aims to address long-standing grievances.
“Any affected schools currently undergoing renovation by the State Government will remain under its supervision until completion. A committee to precisely identify all schools for handover will be set up”, he said.
The developments have received reactions from several stakeholders in the education sector in the state and beyond.
Among the stakeholders that kicked against the governor’s decision are the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON).
Others are the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Nigerian Supreme Council Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Edo State chapters, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), the Muslim Congress (TMC), Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) and Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ).
The stakeholders described the action as undemocratic, unilaterally unacceptable and discriminatory.
In a joint letter to the government, the leadership of NUT, ANCOPSS, and AOPSHON expressed concern and disagreement over the decision of the government to hand over the Catholic Missionary Schools to their original owners.
The letter was signed by Bernard Gbenga Ajobiewe, Aremu Rasheed Mayaki, Enomwonbor Osahon Julius, and Efairibhor Peter, the heads of the various unions in the education sector in the state.
They noted that the move may seem like a positive step towards restoring autonomy and promoting religious freedom, but it poses significant dangers to the education sector and the state as a whole.
“If these schools are handed over to the Catholic Faith, what is the fate of the common man’s child who cannot even afford two good meals a day. What does the Catholic Church want to do with these schools?
“Will whatever they want to do be in the interest of the common man? Religion, they say, is meant to make us and not to mar us.
“The 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, and the poor Nigerians.
“Handover may create tension between different religious groups, potentially leading to conflicts and undermining the State’s efforts to promote interfaith harmony.
“Their monthly salary to teachers is very poor, so they hardly ever employ qualified teachers and other personnel.
“What then happens to the government workers in these schools? Will they be transferred to other schools or laid off? They queried.
The union opined that the governor’s decision would set a precedent for other religious groups like the Anglican Communion. Baptist Church, Apostolic Faith, and the Muslim faith to demand control over schools.
They noted that the development may potentially lead to a fragmentation of the education system, undermining the State’s ability to provide quality education to all citizens.
The union urged the Governor to reconsider the decision and instead work towards strengthening the public education system, ensuring that students have access to quality, inclusive, and secular education.
They also advised the governor to suspend any decision to hand over schools to religious organisations pending due consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
On its part, the State chapter of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) opined that reversing the policy would inadvertently undermine the hard-won achievements of government investment in the education sector over the years.
The statement signed by Usman Aliyu, secretary, noted that historically, in both the pre- and immediate post-independence eras, mission-owned schools, despite their pioneering efforts, often operated with significant limitations.
The body listed some of the limitations to include inconsistent educational standards, inadequate funding, and, critically, a pervasive religious bias.
“We appeal to Your Excellency to engage in extensive and inclusive consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including representatives of Muslim organisations, community leaders, educational experts, and civil society groups, before proceeding with any changes.
“We believe that a truly comprehensive dialogue is indispensable for arriving at a decision that genuinely serves the best interests of every Edo State citizen,” he added.
It posited that the pronouncement, widely circulated, has prompted considerable discussion within our communities, and we believe it warrants a more comprehensive and inclusive re-evaluation.
MMPN, who said it may not know the details of the underlying factors driving the governor’s intention, noted that education, especially at the basic and secondary level, is the cardinal duty of the government.
“While we duly acknowledge the historic role played by Christian missions in pioneering Western education within our state, it’s vital to remember the foundational principles and practical considerations that led to the government’s decisive takeover of these institutions in the 1970s.
“This strategic move was not arbitrary; it was a progressive step aimed at establishing an education system rooted in fairness, accessibility for all, and the recognition of Edo State’s diverse, multi-religious populace.
“Reports of preferential treatment in admissions, staff appointments, and subtle or overt discrimination against non-Christian students were prevalent. These systemic issues and the need to democratise the educational system ultimately necessitated government intervention to ensure a more equitable and unified educational landscape.
“The government’s decision to take over all mission and private schools in the early 1970s, under the then Bendel State administration, was a deliberate move towards achieving egalitarian access and quality control.
“This policy aligned perfectly with Nigeria’s broader post-civil war agenda, which prioritised national unity, secular governance, and ensuring equal opportunities for every citizen, irrespective of their faith.
“Since that critical moment, the government has invested substantially in the public education sector, leading to undeniable advancements in terms of standardised curriculum, enhanced infrastructure, equitable access which guarantees admission based purely on merit, not religious affiliation, thereby fostering peaceful coexistence and equal opportunities for all children, improved teacher welfare and community integration
“The proposed return of these schools to missions raises significant concerns about the potential reintroduction of religious biases, leading to the marginalisation of children and teachers from other faiths.
“We also note that missionary organisations already operate numerous private schools across Edo State, and some of the historical challenges. Instances of the imposition of specific religious doctrines on students persist in certain quarters.
“Furthermore, it is imperative to acknowledge that these institutions have been maintained, developed, and expanded for over five decades using taxpayer funds, contributed by all citizens regardless of their religious leaning.
“Handing them over without clear, verifiable benefits to the broader public would be perceived as unfair and could set a concerning precedent, potentially leading to mass school drop out in the face of non-existent alternatives in affected areas, thus unsettling the state’s educational and social order”, Usman stated.
In its communique, the Nigerian Supreme Council Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Edo State chapter urged the government to take action on the handing over of the schools until alternative solutions for those who are going to be affected are provided.
The communiqué signed by Abdulazeez Nosakhare Igbinidu, the State chairman, appealed to the government to maintain the current harmonious relationship between Edo citizens.
“We plead with the government to consult more stakeholders with the intention of ameliorating the negative effects the above points will cause”, he said.
He noted that Muslims and others who do not share the Catholic faith are apprehensive about the government’s proposal due to its potential implications.
“Governments over time have invested in these schools, providing benefits to all residents regardless of their religious affiliations.
“The handing over of these schools may deny some students access to free education, which your administration currently provides.
“Not all citizens can afford exorbitant fees charged by private schools, making it essential to maintain accessible public education.
“The free education you are presently providing to students in public schools will definitely elude those who are presently enjoying it in these schools.
“Not every individual or family can afford private school, and 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.
Also, Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of abdicating his responsibilities, describing the policy as obnoxious, archaic, myopic, anachronistic and a tragic return to colonial days.
Akintola, who demanded a reversal of the policy in a statement issued on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 also described the governor’s decision as pernicious, escapist and naive.
According to him, MURIC frowns at the return of schools to missionaries for four main reasons. Firstly, both the federal and state governments have responsibilities to discharge in the area of education. Now, returning schools to missionaries is a stylish way of dodging responsibilities in this regard.
“Secondly, there is the likelihood of a fall in quality both among the teaching staff and equipment if schools are returned to missionaries. Can the Edo State government beat its chest on this after returning schools?
“Thirdly, Christian missionaries running schools in predominantly Muslim areas are known for their neo-colonial tendencies and the enslavement of Muslim students. They have been accused of forceful conversion, intimidation and coercion of Muslim students. Already, the Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs have protested against this obnoxious policy.
“Muslim students are most likely to be denied admission as conversion carrots are dangled before them as a condition for entry. This was the case when schools were under Christian missionaries.
“Fourthly, the return of schools to missionaries will rob students in missionary schools of the free education policy which is currently being provided by the Edo State government. This further cements our allegation that the state government is seeking to escape from its earlier committed responsibilities.
“We therefore urge Governor Monday Okpebholo to do a rethink over the issue of return of schools to missionaries”, he stated.
The Muslim Congress (TMC), while also kicking, said the decision was unconstitutional, discriminatory and a dangerous affront to Nigeria’s secular principles.
Ismail Muthair, Waali(Head) of the body, said it negates the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended).
“The Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended) explicitly prohibits the adoption of any state religion (Section 10) and guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion (Section 38).
“By surrendering public schools, built and maintained with funds from taxes paid by citizens of all faiths, to Christian bodies, the Edo State Government is effectively endorsing one religion over others, thereby violating constitutional provisions on equality (Section 42) and the secularity of the state.
“This decision is particularly egregious given that many of these schools sit on land originally donated by Muslim communities under the belief that they were contributing to public education, not religious indoctrination.
“Furthermore, the schools being returned are not the same institutions taken over by the government decades ago; they have been expanded, upgraded and sustained with public funds, making this handover a gross misappropriation of collective resources”, he opined.
The body urged the Edo State and National Assembly, the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, Civil societies and non-governmental human rights organisations and all advocates of justice to intervene and prevent this violation of constitutional and democratic principles.
It noted that the failure of the governor to consult Muslim stakeholders, education boards, or affected communities before the decision demonstrates a deliberate exclusion of Muslim voices and a blatant disregard for inclusive governance.
It opined that even more alarming was the governor’s plan to use public funds, drawn from taxpayers of all faiths, to renovate the schools before transferring them to Christian entities, stating that it constitutes a misuse of state resources to advance a sectarian agenda.
TMC, however, demands an immediate reversal of the unconstitutional policy and calls on the governor to uphold his oath of office by ensuring that public education remains neutral, accessible and equitable for all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation.
“Failure to do so will deepen religious divisions, erode public trust and set a dangerous precedent for institutionalised discrimination”, he added.
David Ugolor, the Executive Director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) stated that calling a stakeholder meeting by the government would help to strengthen the opportunity to create access to education and address the challenges and quality issues
Ugolor further added that the State government should not abdicate responsibility to provide access to education by returning the schools to missionary organisations, but should consider the cost and benefits analysis and provide alternatives for those currently struggling to access education who are not Christian or Muslim
He advised that the government should provide equal opportunity and access to everyone, and no one should be left behind.
The Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP), on its part, appeals to the governor to rescind his decision, asserting that the return of the schools to churches could deepen religious divisions among Edo people and damage the peaceful coexistence among different faiths in the state.
A statement by Madu Mammadi, the chairman of the association, however, warned that such action might create avoidable religious tensions and potential security challenges that could be difficult to contain or reverse once they are set in motion.
He emphasised that transferring ownership of public schools to churches could endanger about 40 percent of the state’s muslim population.
“Additionally, most original church structures have been replaced with buildings funded by taxpayers, bChristiansians and muslims.
“Further underscoring the shared ownership of these educational institutions.
“The policy would make quality education less accessible to children in Edo, especially those from muslim backgrounds who may feel excluded or marginalised.
“We, therefore, appeal to your excellency to reconsider this policy decision.
“We are open to participating in stakeholder engagements or public hearings if necessary,” he said.
