From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday, June 15, approved the return of schools to missionary organisations in the state.
The decision was announced following a meeting with the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Gabriel G. Dunia, at Government House, Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo committed to establishing a committee to identify the specific schools to be handed over. He clarified that any affected schools currently undergoing renovation by the state government would remain under its supervision until completion.
Among the schools expected to be affected are prominent institutions such as 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.
The move reverses the forceful takeover of Catholic primary and secondary schools by the civil government in the 1970s.
Bishop Dunia revealed that, despite persistent appeals to previous administrations, the state government had not responded positively to the Church’s requests for the return of their institutions until now.
He emphasised the strategic importance of these schools to the Catholic mission, stating they play a critical role not only in the intellectual formation of children but also in fostering “ideal moral character, which constitutes the bedrock of a good society”.
The approval marks a significant step towards addressing long-standing grievances and potentially enhancing educational standards through faith-based initiatives in Edo State.