Tension is brewing in Edo State as Muslim organisations have voiced strong opposition to the decision of Governor Monday Okpebholo to hand over eight public schools back to the Catholic Mission.

The protest is being spearheaded by two prominent groups, Edo Muslims for Equity and Good Governance, EMEGG, and the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Edo State chapter.

They argued that the move does not serve the interests of Muslim students and teachers currently in those institutions and are urging the governor to reconsider the decision.

Ekwutosblog reports that Governor Okpebholo had, on Monday, approved the handover of eight government-owned schools to the Catholic Church.

This was announced in a statement by his media aide, Fred Itua, following a meeting between the governor and Bishop Gabriel G. Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi.

The governor clarified that any of the schools currently undergoing government-funded renovations will remain under state management until those works are completed.

Bishop Dunia, commenting on the development, said the Church had long sought the return of its original schools but previous administrations failed to respond positively.

He added that the mission’s role is not only to provide academic instruction but also to instil sound moral values that support a better society.

However, the decision has drawn criticism from the Muslim community. EMEGG, in a joint statement issued by General Coordinator Sirajudeen Muhammad and Secretary Abdullah Umar, argued that although the Catholic mission may have initiated some of the schools, the lands were largely donated by host communities, many of which are Muslim-majority.

They emphasized that these institutions have been sustained with public funds over the years, taxes contributed by both Muslims and Christians in the state, and should therefore remain inclusive.

The group warned that the handover could jeopardize the rights and representation of Muslims in the affected schools and called on the government to protect the interests of all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation.

Similarly, the Edo State Chairman of NSCIA, Abdulaziz Igbinidu, questioned the rationale behind returning the schools to a religious body after the government had invested substantial funds into their rehabilitation. He stressed that the Muslim community feels excluded and overlooked in the decision-making process.

Zakariyah Musa, Chairman of the Edo North Council of Ulama, also condemned the decision, describing it as unfair to Muslim pupils currently enrolled in the schools.

He added that as a leader for all, Governor Okpebholo should have ensured inclusive dialogue before making such a critical decision.

He revealed that the Ulama Council, alongside other Islamic stakeholders, plans to meet with the governor to seek clarity and possibly reverse the action, asking, “What becomes of Muslim students and teachers in these schools?”

Imam Harun Umar of the Edo South Council of Ulama warned that the move could have far-reaching consequences beyond its educational intent.

While acknowledging that the governor may have intended to improve discipline and academic excellence, he maintained that such goals can be achieved through other inclusive means.

Umar emphasized the need for broad consultations, urging the governor to engage widely before proceeding further. He noted that a five-member implementation committee has been set up by the government, expressing hope that the committee would involve religious and community stakeholders in its discussions.

He also advised that the process be put on hold until further consultations are carried out, warning that the handover could alienate not just Muslims but also Christians who are not Catholics.

The affected institutions include: 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; and St. Aloysius Gonzaga Grammar School, Ososo.

The National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB) will embrace Computer-Based Test in subsequent Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) common entrance examinations and other examinations of the board.

Muhammed Aminu Muhammed, NABTEB’s Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, stated this at Uromi, Edo State, during the monitoring of TEVT’s common entrance examination into the federal technical colleges.

Represented by the director of the quality assurance department, Osaigbovo Pius, he explained that the board is putting infrastructure on ground that would enable it to conduct CBT examinations in subsequent examinations of the board.

He further explained, “CBT is the way to go now. JAMB is already doing it and WAEC may follow next year.

“We want to ensure that the infrastructure to enable the CBT exam is on ground.”

No fewer than 64,000 candidates from Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Togo have participated in the 2025 National Common Entrance Examination, NCEE, for admission into Federal Government Colleges, conducted by the National Examinations Council, NECO.

Speaking after monitoring the exercise at Model Secondary School, Maitama, and Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the examination.

“I’m very happy with the way the exams have been conducted. They started on time, students were orderly, and invigilators were present and active. We had 64,000 candidates, 30,000 male and 34,000 female, which shows a strong interest in our unity colleges,” she said.

The minister emphasized that the turnout reflects continued public trust in the unity school system.

“Nigerians are still eager to have their children in Federal Government Colleges. This turnout shows that parents still value the role of unity schools in national cohesion,” she added.

On his part, the NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, confirmed that Lagos State recorded the highest number of registered candidates with over 15,000, while the Republic of Togo had the lowest with 17 candidates.

“We had about 109 candidates from Benin Republic and Togo combined, all Nigerian citizens residing there. This is a truly regional exercise that affirms the reach and reputation of our unity colleges,” he said.

Wushishi noted that no challenges were reported during the conduct of the exam.

“Materials arrived on time, the exam started as scheduled, and so far, we’ve seen no issues. This smooth process gives us hope that upcoming senior secondary exams, both WAEC and NECO, will follow suit,” he stated.

The NECO boss also acknowledged the inclusion of children with special needs, assuring that accommodations like braille materials and support personnel were provided.

On her part, the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir, said admissions into unity schools will be based on merit, state quota, and exigency, the latter catering largely to children of civil servants.

“Final admissions will depend on the released results, but we remain committed to a fair and inclusive process,” she noted.