The planned return of 36 secondary and primary schools to the Catholic Mission in Edo State by Governor Monday Okpebholo has been rejected by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and other education unions.     

   Okpebholo said a committee would be set up after a meeting with Bishop Gabriel Dunia.

But the state chapter of the NUT called on the governor to suspend the plan and engage in  consultations with stakeholders.

Besides the NUT, other unions that rejected the return of public schools were the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON)

They advised Okpebholo to suspend the plan.

Their demand was contained in a letter signed by Edo NUT Chairman, Comrade Bernard Ajobiewe, Edo ANCOPSS President, Comrade Osahon Juliu and AOPSHON state Chairman,

Comrade Efairibhor Peter.

The letter said the return of schools could undermine inclusive education and strain interfaith harmony

They stated that the handover could jeopardise secular education, worsen access for poor children, and trigger religious tension across the state.

“By handing over these schools to their original owners, we risk a loss of secular education, decreased accessibility, and potential for religious conflict.

“The missionary schools are reputable for charging high fees and prioritising religious instruction. Such a decision can exclude children from poor backgrounds and deviate from government education standards.

“The handover of schools to Catholics would set a precedent, leading to demand control of schools by other religious groups, including the Anglican Communion and Muslim organisations.’’

They expressed worry that other religious groups might move to reclaim schools such as Anglican Grammar School Igarra, Ikpomaza Grammar School Okpella, and Ansaru Deen Grammar School Agbede, among others.

The unions urged the governor to reconsider the decision and work towards strengthening the public education system.

“In many communities, the missionary schools are the only government secondary schools serving vast catchment areas.

“For instance, St. Joseph’s Grammar School in Otuo serves seven quarters. If it is returned, there will be no government school left in the area.

“Children would have to trek over six kilometres to the next available school, which violates the Universal Basic Education law.”