Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the return of several secondary schools to their original missionary proprietors across the state, following a meeting with Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi.
This decision follows a precedent established by former Governor Lucky Igbinedion, who previously returned institutions including Immaculate Conception College, Edo College, Baptist Girls School, and Eghosa Grammar School to their founding missions.
Implementation Process
Governor Okpebholo announced that a committee will be established to identify specific schools for handover. He clarified that schools currently undergoing renovation by the state government would remain under state supervision until ongoing works are completed.
Among the schools proposed for return are 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 Grammar School, Eme-Ora; and St. Aloysius Gonzaga Grammar School, Ososo.
Church Response
Bishop Dunia welcomed the development during the meeting, noting that previous administrations had not responded to similar appeals from the church. He emphasized the Catholic mission's dedication to both academic excellence and moral upbringing of students.
The handover is expected to enhance educational standards while preserving the religious and moral foundations of these institutions, which have historically played significant roles in Edo State's educational landscape.
This move aligns with similar policies implemented in other Nigerian states where missionary schools have been returned to their original proprietors to improve educational management and preserve their founding values.
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