In a landmark decision set to reshape the educational landscape of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the return of several secondary schools to their original missionary proprietors, with eight Catholic institutions slated for handover. In a recent meeting with the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, the governor approved the return of eight schools to the diocese.
Among the schools proposed for return are Our Lady of Fatima College, Auchi; St. Angela’s Grammar School, Uzairue; St. John’s Grammar School, Fugar; St. Peter’s Grammar School, Agenebode; St. James’s Grammar School, Afuze; St. Joseph’s College, Otuo; St. Mary’s Grammar School, Eme-Ora; and St. Aloysius Gonzaga Grammar School, Ososo. These institutions, all founded by the Catholic mission, have long been regarded as pillars of moral and academic excellence in their respective communities.
However, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that schools currently undergoing renovation by the state government would not be immediately returned. These will remain under state supervision until ongoing work is completed. He noted that a special committee will be established to identify the specific schools and oversee a smooth transition. “We are committed to ensuring that the handover process does not disrupt the educational progress or structural integrity of the institutions,” he stated.
Bishop Gabriel Dunia, speaking after the meeting, welcomed the development with gratitude and renewed hope. He disclosed that the Catholic Church had made repeated appeals to successive administrations since the government’s forceful takeover of mission schools in the 1970s—until now, without success. “This is a bold and commendable move by Governor Okpebholo. Previous administrations made promises but failed to act. Today, we are witnessing a change that aligns with the original vision of our mission,” the bishop said.
The prelate highlighted the strategic and moral significance of the schools to the mission of the Church, emphasizing their dual role in academic development and ethical formation. “These institutions were not established solely to educate the mind but also to form character. An ideal moral character constitutes the bedrock of a good society,” Bishop Dunia stressed.
This development revives a precedent set by former Governor Lucky Igbinedion, who facilitated the return of several mission-founded schools—including Immaculate Conception College, Edo College, Baptist Girls’ School, and Eghosa Grammar School—to their respective religious owners.
The decision is being widely commended as a step toward addressing long-standing grievances and restoring the integrity of faith-based education in Edo State. Many education stakeholders believe that returning these schools to their original proprietors could help revive standards and values that have gradually eroded under decades of public administration.
With the establishment of a dedicated committee to guide the process, the state government appears committed to a thorough and collaborative approach that balances educational quality, infrastructure development, and community interests.
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