Muslim groups ask Edo gov to reverse school transfer to missionaries

The Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to reconsider his decision to transfer 36 public schools to Catholic missionaries, warning that the move could undermine access to free education in the state. In a statement signed by its chairman, Alhaji Abdulazeez Nosakhare Igbinidu, the council said many families cannot […]

The Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to reconsider his decision to transfer 36 public schools to Catholic missionaries, warning that the move could undermine access to free education in the state.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Alhaji Abdulazeez Nosakhare Igbinidu, the council said many families cannot afford the high fees typically charged by private schools, noting that the public education system currently provides free learning opportunities for children from low-income backgrounds.

“The free education provided in public schools will no longer be accessible to students in the affected institutions. This move could lead to an increase in school dropouts,” the statement read.

Similarly, the Edo State chapter of The Muslim Congress (TMC), through its chairman, Alhaji Ismail Muthair Waali, described the governor’s action as discriminatory and a violation of Nigeria’s secular principles.

• Cleric urges Muslims to seek legitimate income means
• Lagos must not turn mega slum, Showunmi tells Sanwo-Olu 

He said by handing over schools, originally built and maintained with public funds derived from taxpayers of all faiths, to a Christian body, Governor Okpebholo was effectively favouring one religion over others.

He said the failure to consult Muslim stakeholders, education boards, or affected communities before making such a significant decision indicates a deliberate exclusion of Muslim voices and a disregard for inclusive governance.

“We demand the immediate reversal of this policy. It constitutes a misuse of state resources to promote a sectarian agenda,” he said.

Waali urged the governor to uphold his oath of office by ensuring that public education remains neutral, accessible, and equitable to all citizens, regardless of their religious background.

“Failure to do so will deepen religious divisions, erode public trust, and set a dangerous precedent for institutionalised discrimination,” he warned.

He also said many of the affected schools, particularly in Edo North, sit on land originally donated by Muslim communities, with the understanding that they were supporting public, not religious, education.