Tension is brewing in Edo State following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to hand over eight public schools to the Catholic Mission.
The move has been met with strong opposition from Muslim organizations, including Edo Muslims for Equity and Good Governance and the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
According to the groups, the decision does not serve the interests of Muslim students and teachers currently in those institutions.
The affected schools include Our Lady of Fatima College, Auchi; St. Angela’s Grammar School, Uzairue; St. John Grammar School, Fugar; St. Peter’s Grammar School, Agenebode; St. James’s Grammar School, Afuze; St. Joseph College, Otuo; St. Mary’s Grammar School, Eme-Ora; and St. Aloysius Gonzaga Grammar School, Ososo.
The governor clarified that schools currently undergoing government-funded renovations will remain under state management until the works are completed.
Bishop Gabriel G. Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi stated that the Church had long sought the return of its original schools, emphasizing the mission’s role in providing academic instruction and instilling sound moral values.
However, Muslim leaders argue that the lands were largely donated by host communities, many of which are Muslim-majority, and that the institutions have been sustained with public funds.
The groups have called on the government to protect the interests of all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, and to reconsider the decision.