Stakeholders in Edo State’s education sector have strongly condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to hand over 36 public schools to the Catholic Mission, describing the move as detrimental to inclusive and secular education in the state.
The governor initially announced the handover of eight schools in Edo North Senatorial District to the Catholic Diocese of Auchi on June 16, 2025, a decision later expanded to include 28 additional schools across all three senatorial districts. This has sparked widespread backlash from key education unions, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), as well as the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Edo State chapter.
In a joint letter addressed to the state government, the unions expressed grave concerns that while the handover might appear to restore autonomy and religious freedom, it risks undermining the state’s efforts to provide affordable, quality, and secular education. They warned that Catholic missionary schools traditionally prioritize religious instruction over secular academics and often charge high fees, limiting access for children from low-income families.
The unions also questioned the fate of government-employed teachers in the affected schools, highlighting fears of job losses or transfers, and criticized the poor remuneration and staffing practices within mission schools. They cautioned that the move could ignite religious tensions and set a precedent for other religious groups, such as the Anglican Communion and Muslim organizations, to demand control over schools, potentially fragmenting the education system.
Similarly, the Edo State chapter of the Muslim Media Practitioners urged the government to engage in broad consultations with all stakeholders, including Muslim groups and community leaders, before proceeding. They noted that mission schools historically faced challenges like inconsistent standards and religious bias, and stressed the importance of maintaining interfaith harmony.
The decision has also drawn criticism from Muslim organizations such as the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Edo Muslims for Equity and Good Governance (EMEGG), who argue that the handover disregards the interests of Muslim students and teachers and could jeopardize the inclusive nature of public education.
Governor Okpebholo, however, stated that schools currently undergoing government-funded renovations would remain under state supervision until completion and has set up a committee to identify the schools for handover precisely.
The controversy highlights the tension between government policy, religious interests, and the need for inclusive, accessible education in Edo State, with many calling for the decision to be reconsidered or suspended pending wider stakeholder engagement.
