Muslim group urges Edo governor not to return schools to churches

The Association of Muslim Professionals in Edo State on Wednesday appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to rescind his decision to return schools to Christian missionaries in the state.

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

In a statement by its chairperson, Madu Mammadi, the association commended Mr Okpebholo’s leadership but urged him to reconsider the decision in the public interest.

“We write on behalf of our members to appreciate your good work since assuming office as Governor of Edo State on 12 November last year.

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“We have been firmly behind your programmes and policies so far, especially in mobilising support from the Muslim community for the implementation of your SHINE Agenda.

“We proudly say a new Edo has risen through your leadership,” he said.

However, Mr Mammadi expressed concern that returning schools to churches could deepen religious divisions among the Edo people and damage the peaceful coexistence among different faiths in the state.

He warned that such action might create avoidable religious tensions and potential security challenges that could be difficult to contain or reverse.

He emphasised that transferring ownership of public schools to churches could endanger about 40 per cent of the state’s Muslim population.

“This move could intensify religious tensions in Edo, something that no one may be able to fully control if the consequences spiral out of hand.

“Although some of these schools were initiated by Christian missionaries, others originated from Muslim initiatives, such as the Muslim secondary school previously located near Central Park.

“It is also important to note that these lands were donated by local communities, many of whom are predominantly Muslims who supported public education development for all.

“Additionally, most original church structures have been replaced with buildings funded by taxpayers, both Christians and Muslims, further underscoring the shared ownership of these educational institutions,” he said.

Mr Mammadi explained that the policy would make quality education less accessible to children in Edo, especially those from Muslim backgrounds who may feel excluded or marginalised.

“We are open to participating in stakeholder engagements or public hearings if necessary,” he said.

What Okpebholo’s predecessor, Obaseki, said

Mr Okpebholo’s predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, had assured that the state government would hand over the missionary schools in Edo to their original owners, but said that his administration was not in a hurry to do that, according to a report by Daily Trust.

“We have decided to return schools to missionaries but not in a hurry to do that,” Mr Obaseki, represented by the then-Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie, said in 2021 in Benin during the centenary celebration of the United Baptist Church.

READ ALSO: Okpebholo to return missionary schools in Edo

“This is obvious because we have to sit down and work out a scheme that will ensure reduced school fees affordable by all.”

Daily Trust reported that the United Baptist Church Prelate, Osama Usuanlele, had appealed to the governor to return schools to their original owners.

“There is a need for the government to partner with the church to improve the infrastructure and standard of education in the state.

“Baptist church, for instance, has several schools that were forcefully taken over from us, which have become dilapidated.

“We request the state government to give us back these schools for effective management and improvements of the standard of education sector in the state.

“Kindly give us these schools and less stress and squabbles on how to manage them,” the bishop told Mr Obaseki.

(NAN)