Muslim group urges Okpebholo to reverse decision on returning Edo schools to missionaries

The Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) in Edo State has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to reverse his decision to return public schools to Catholic missionary control. The governor recently approved the return of eight public schools across the state to their original Catholic owners. In a statement issued by its chairman, Alhaji Madu Mammadi, […]

The Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) in Edo State has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to reverse his decision to return public schools to Catholic missionary control.

The governor recently approved the return of eight public schools across the state to their original Catholic owners.

In a statement issued by its chairman, Alhaji Madu Mammadi, the AMP urged the governor to reconsider the school handover in the broader public interest.

“We have stood firmly behind your administration’s programmes and policies, including mobilising support from the Muslim community for your SHINE Agenda,” Mammadi said.

He expressed concern that the return of schools to church ownership could fuel religious divisions and threaten the peaceful coexistence among Edo’s diverse religious communities.

“This decision may spark avoidable religious tensions and create potential security challenges that could be difficult to manage or reverse once triggered,” he said.

Mammadi said the move could marginalise the state’s significant Muslim population—estimated at around 40 percent—by making quality education less accessible, especially to Muslim children who may feel excluded.

He further noted that many of the lands on which these schools were built were originally donated by local communities, including predominantly Muslim ones, to support public education for all.

“Most of the original church structures have been replaced by buildings funded through taxpayer money—contributions from both Christians and Muslims—highlighting the shared ownership of these institutions,” he said.

The AMP chairman appealed to the governor to halt the policy and proposed inclusive dialogue as a way forward.

“We respectfully urge Your Excellency to reconsider this decision. We are open to participating in stakeholder engagements or public hearings, if necessary,” he added.