Education
Gov Okpebholo under fire after releasing public schools to Catholic Mission in Edo
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 Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private schools, beginning from the 2026/27 academic session.
The announcement, signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, said the directive was part of efforts to curb examination malpractice and restore credibility to Nigeria’s education system.
“The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has announced a nationwide prohibition on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools,” the statement read.
According to the ministry, the policy follows growing concerns over the increasing incidence of malpractice, including the use of so‑called special centres during external examinations.
It explained that admissions and transfers will now be restricted strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2). “Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,” the ministry stated.
Officials said the measure is aimed at discouraging last‑minute movement of students for examination‑related advantages, ensuring proper academic monitoring, and promoting continuity in teaching and learning.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy.
The ministry warned that any violation would attract sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.
Reaffirming government’s commitment, the statement added: “The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country.”
Education
How Fulani Militias Attacked Taraba Community, K!lled My Father, Four Relatives — Grieving NYSC Member Cries Out (Video)
Orkeghen Philip Aondofa, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has cried out for help, alleging that armed Fulani herders carried out a de@dly attack on his village — New-Gboko (Nyugoko) in the Peva–Chanchanji Ward of Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State.
They reportedly k!lled his father and four other members of his family.
Philip, who is currently serving in Enugu State, recounted the horror in an emotional interview with SaharaReporters, saying the Taraba State government has remained silent while k!llings continue across communities in Chanchanji ward.
According to him, the attackers, whom he repeatedly referred to as “herders ”, invaded the community on November 27, 2025, unleashing violence that forced all surviving residents to flee.
He said the assailants are still occupying the village, preventing him from retrieving his father’s corpse for burial.
“Right now, as I speak to you, the k!lling is all over Chanchanji ward in Takum LGA of Taraba State. The Taraba State Government is silent about it,” he said.
The corps member said one of the attackers used his late father’s phone to call him after the massacre — only to confess to k!lling him.
“After the attack, one of them took my father’s phone and called me. When I asked where the owner of the phone was, he told me, he k!lled my father directly. I broke down and ended the call,” he said.
Philip said the inability to recover his father’s remains has left him in deeper anguish.
“What pains me the most now is how I will get my father’s corpse to bury. Those herders are still there in the village. There is nobody left in my village.”
The corps member said he is nearing the end of his service year but now feels completely stranded and without hope.
“After my service, I don’t know where to go. I don’t know where to start. I am calling on the Federal Government and those concerned to come to my aid. I am broke, I am hopeless. I don’t have anywhere to go; everything is gone. I have lost hope.”
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced a major initiative to strengthen security across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria. As part of the new move, the Fund is developing a comprehensive security master plan aimed at addressing the growing threats facing campuses nationwide.
According to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the framework will serve as a unified guide for preventing, managing, and responding to security breaches within tertiary institutions. He noted that the rising cases of attacks, kidnappings, and other safety concerns have made it imperative to adopt a coordinated national approach to protect students, staff, and infrastructure.
The proposed security master plan is expected to involve collaboration with security agencies, education stakeholders, and institution managers to ensure effective implementation across the country.
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