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.
- Fear grips community over alleged threat letter
There was pandemonium within the vicinity of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State on Monday when two students of the institution were allegedly ambushed and attacked on their way back from Owerri Municipality, where they had gone to buy an electricity generating set.
A source close to one of the victims who spoke to our reporter said the two friends were driving back to the school through the Amaeze Obibi-Ezena Road at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday when they saw some people flashing torchlights by the bush side. “They initially thought they were security men and kept driving, but the one on the passenger seat suddenly noticed that those they thought were security men had their faces covered,” the source said.
He continued: “He shouted and told his friend to reverse the car. But as soon as they reversed, the gunmen opened fire and riddled the car with bullets. Fortunately, they escaped unhurt.”
The frightening incident has further fueled reports circulating in the area alleging plans by suspected Fulani herdsmen to launch coordinated attacks on Nekede-where the Federal Polytechnic is located-and neighbouring communities.
Anxiety in the area has intensified due to unconfirmed reports that the gunmen had written a letter to community leaders, demanding a certain amount of money to prevent an imminent attack. It was also alleged that intelligence reports suggest that several armed groups who have infiltrated the area have concluded plans to strike within a specific time frame. These reports further claim that the suspected attackers have been receiving supplies, arms, and ammunition for some time and are being reinforced from outside.
Recall that there have been consistent reports of frightening security challenges in the region, caused by the nefarious activities of gunmen who for a very long time have kidnapped, raped, maimed, and even killed their victims around the FUTO, Ihiagwa, Obinze, Avu, and Oforola axis- all in Owerri West Local Government Area.
The Federal Ministry of Education hereby informs the general public that a message currently circulating on social media platforms, alleging that schools nationwide have been directed to close from 24th November 2025, is false, misleading, and did not originate from the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, any State Ministry of Education or any recognized security agency.
The public is strongly advised to rely strictly on verified information issued through the following official channels:
The Federal Government, The Federal Ministry of Education, State Governments and State Ministries of Education Recognised security agencies
Any announcement, advisory, or notice coming from unofficial or unverified sources should be ignored and not shared. Members of the public are urged to always verify the authenticity of information before circulating it in order to curb the spread of misinformation.
Due to the resurgence in the abduction of students in schools in some parts of the country, the Federal Government on Friday ordered the closure of 41 unity colleges with immediate effect.
In a statement signed by the Director, Senior Secondary Education, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, on behalf of the Honourable Minister, said the closure is to prevent possible breach of security in the listed schools.
The principals of the affected schools were directed to comply without delay.
According to the circular, the affected schools are: FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafanchan, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura, FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, and FGC Birnin Yauri.
Others are FTC Zuru, FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, FTC Hadejia, FGGC Bida, FGC New-bussa, FTC Kuta-shiroro, FGA Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omuaran, FTC Gwanara, FGGC Bakori, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu, FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, FGGC Abaji, and FGGC Potiskum.
Also affected by the immediate closure order are: FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri and FTC Zambuk.
An analysis of the list showed that most of the schools affected were in the Northwest, Northeast and North Central.
Only few days ago, some students were abducted from their school in Kebbi and only on Friday scores of students were abducted from another school in Niger State.
“Ned Nwoko Paid Us N5 Million Each To Kill Regina Daniels” – Man Claims As Video Goes Viral (Watch)
“Mistakes Happen” – Woman Begs Husband After DNA Test Reveals He Isn’t The Father Of Her 3 Children (Video)
Community Leaders Probe Alleged ‘Underage Marriage’ In Benue (Photos)
-
Business1 year ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
-
Trending1 year agoNYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
-
Politics1 year agoMexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
-
Politics1 year agoPutin invites 20 world leaders
-
Politics1 year agoRussia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
-
Education1 year ago
GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI