Tension is mounting in Edo State following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to return eight government-owned schools to the Catholic Mission—a move that has drawn strong objections from key Muslim organisations.
The decision, announced by the governor’s media aide Fred Itua after a meeting with Bishop Gabriel G. Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, involves the transfer of the following institutions: 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, St. Aloysius Gonzaga Grammar School, Ososo.
Governor Okpebholo clarified that any schools currently undergoing state-funded renovations would remain under government control until the works are completed.
Bishop Dunia welcomed the decision, noting that the Church had long sought the return of these schools. He stressed that the mission’s role extends beyond academics to the promotion of moral values for a better society.
However, the announcement has triggered backlash from the Muslim community. Two leading groups—the Edo Muslims for Equity and Good Governance (EMEGG) and the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Edo State chapter—have publicly condemned the move.
In a joint statement, EMEGG’s General Coordinator, Sirajudeen Muhammad, and Secretary, Abdullah Umar, argued that while the Catholic Church may have founded some of the schools, the land was often donated by Muslim-majority communities.
They noted that the institutions have been maintained with public funds contributed by both Christians and Muslims, and should therefore remain inclusive and secular.
The group warned that the handover risks marginalising Muslim students and staff, urging the governor to reverse the decision and prioritize the interests of all citizens regardless of faith.
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Similarly, NSCIA’s Edo State Chairman, Abdulaziz Igbinidu, questioned the justification for transferring control to a religious body, especially after substantial public investment in the schools’ infrastructure. He said the Muslim community feels sidelined in the decision-making process.
Chairman of the Edo North Council of Ulama, Zakariyah Musa, called the decision unjust and detrimental to Muslim students currently enrolled in the affected schools. He criticised the lack of inclusive dialogue and announced that the Ulama Council and other Islamic stakeholders plan to meet with the governor to seek a reversal.
Imam Harun Umar of the Edo South Council of Ulama also warned that the decision could have broader social and religious implications. While acknowledging the governor’s intent to enhance discipline and academic standards, he urged for a more inclusive approach.
Umar emphasized the need for broad-based consultations, calling on the governor to pause implementation until all stakeholders are adequately engaged.
He noted that although a five-member implementation committee has been set up, it is essential that both religious and community representatives are included in its discussions to prevent further division.
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