Muslim group, others knock Okpebholo for handing over schools to Catholic Mission

Muslim groups and other stakeholders in Edo State have criticised Governor Monday Okpebholo for handing over four public schools to the Catholic Mission. Last week, the governor transferred ownership of St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School, Benin City; Annunciation Catholic College (ACC), Irua; St. Angela’s Girls Grammar School, Uzairue; and Obaseki Primary School (formerly St. […]

Muslim groups and other stakeholders in Edo State have criticised Governor Monday Okpebholo for handing over four public schools to the Catholic Mission.

Last week, the governor transferred ownership of St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School, Benin City; Annunciation Catholic College (ACC), Irua; St. Angela’s Girls Grammar School, Uzairue; and Obaseki Primary School (formerly St. Patrick’s Primary School), Airport Road, to the Catholic Mission.

The governor, in a statement by the Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, directed that all current students be retained without discrimination and provided quality education infused with the moral values and discipline for which the Catholic Mission is renowned.

However, critics said the decision is against public interest.

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The Edo Muslims for Equity and Good Governance described the governor’s action as unjust, unfair, and a dangerous setback for education, equity, and unity in the state.

In a statement by its coordinator, Amir Surajudeen, the group said the schools in question were rebuilt, maintained, and funded by the Edo State Government using taxpayers’ money contributed by all Edo people, regardless of religion.

“Handing them over to a religious body will deprive children from poor families access to free and quality education. It is a step backward in the National Education Policy, a threat to equality, and could fuel religious discrimination,” the statement read.

Surajudeen urged the governor to immediately reverse the decision in the interest of fairness and equality, stressing that “education is a primary constitutional responsibility of the government.”

The Coordinator of the Edo State Civil Society Organisation (EDOSCO), Agho Omobude, said the schools were built by communities—not the Church—and should remain public.

He warned that once under missionary control, the schools would operate as private institutions, making them unaffordable for children from poor families.

President of the Talakawa Parliament, Kola Edokpaye, described the move as detrimental to the masses, predicting fee hikes and reduced access for the poor.

He faulted the governor for not consulting widely and urged a reversal of the decision.