NUT, others reject Okpebholo’s plan to return Edo schools to missionaries

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and other education unions in Edo State have strongly opposed the state government’s plan to return 36 public schools to the Catholic Mission. 

The unions have called for an immediate suspension of the policy, insisting that broad consultations with key stakeholders be conducted before any final decision is made. 

“We strongly advise that any decision to hand over schools to religious organisations should be suspended pending due consultation,” the unions said. 

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Governor Okpebholo announced the planned handover on June 16 during a courtesy visit by Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi. 

Daily Trust reports that the NUT, alongside the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), faulted the governor’s proposal in a jointly signed letter obtained by the newspaper. 

The letter was signed by Comrade Bernard Ajobiewe (NUT State Chairman), Comrade Rasheed Mayaki (NUT State Secretary), Comrade Osahon Julius (ANCOPSS State President), and Comrade Efairibhor Peter (AOPSHON State Chairman). 

The unions warned that returning public schools to religious bodies could undermine inclusive and secular education, limit access for children from poor backgrounds, and heighten religious tensions in the state. 

They noted that missionary schools are often known for charging high tuition fees and prioritising religious instruction, which could exclude indigent pupils and deviate from public education standards. 

The unions also raised concerns that such a move would set a precedent, potentially prompting other religious organisations, such as the Anglican Communion and Muslim groups, to demand control of schools originally established by them.