The Bishop of the Diocese of Ife, Church of Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade, is calling on the Osun State Government to return Anglican mission schools to the church due to their neglected and deteriorating condition.
“The schools are in a terrible condition. Some of the roofs have caved in, and students are still using them. It’s an eyesore,” Akinlade said.
He emphasized that the church, as the original owner, is ready to rehabilitate the schools and restore a conducive learning environment.
“It’s in their hands to give these schools back to us so we can develop them and provide a conducive learning environment,” Akinlade added.
Akinlade cited the example of Lagos State, where returning mission schools to their original owners helped revitalize educational standards under President Bola Tinubu’s governorship.
“I am making an appeal to the Osun State government because it is in their hands to please release this school back to us,” he urged.
Similar appeals were made during former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s tenure, but without success.
“This school belongs to us. They should give us that school, as well as other schools that we founded,” Akinlade said, specifically mentioning Anglican Grammar School, Ile-Ife.
The diocese is committed to education, as evident in its institution, Divine Royal College, which offers subsidized and affordable school fees.
“We are working hard to meet the WAEC and NECO requirements to be able to have external exams in the school,” Akinlade revealed.