The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State of abdicating his responsibilities. The allegation came after the governor approved the handing over of 8 schools in Auchi, Edo North, a Muslim dominated area as well as 28 other schools in other places, to Christian missionaries.
The Islamic human rights group demanded a reversal of the policy which it described as obnoxious, archaic, myopic, anachronistic and a tragic return to colonial days.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
The full statement reads:
“Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Monday, June 16, 2025, approved the return of eight secondary and primary schools in Edo North, after meeting with the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Bishop Gabriel Dunia.
“But barely one week later, on Tuesday, 24th June, 2025, the governor again approved 28 additional schools in Edo Central and South Senatorial districts to missionary organizations (https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/06/24/okpebholo-hands-over-more-school-to-missionary-organizations/).
*“This policy is archaic, myopic, anachronistic and a tragic return to colonial days. It is an abdication of responsibilities. It is also pernicious, escapist and naive.*
“MURIC frowns at the return of schools to missionaries for four main reasons. Firstly, both the federal and state governments have responsibilities to discharge in the area of education. Now, returning schools to missionaries is a stylish way of dodging responsibilities in this regard.
“Secondly, there is the likelihood of fall in qualities both among the teaching staff and equipment if schools are returned to missionaries. Can Edo State government beat its chest on this after returning schools?
*“Edo State labelled its 2024 budget a ‘Budget of Finishing Strong’, but is this kind of abdication anywhere close to finishing strong? N32.2 billion was allocated to education out of the total budget of N325.3 billion representing 10%. This budget was later revised upward to N485.6 billion by the state’s House of Assembly. How does a state get more money yet drops its responsibilities to the electorate?*
“Thirdly, Christian missionaries running schools in predominantly Muslim areas are known for their neo-colonial tendencies and the enslavement of Muslim students. They have been accused of forceful conversion, intimidation and coercion of Muslim students. Already, the edo State Council For Islamic Affairs have protested against this obnoxious policy (https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/islamic-council-urges-okpebholo-to-reconsider-returning-schools-to-missionaries/).
“Muslim students are most likely to be denied admission as conversion carrots are dangled before them as condition for entry. This was the case when schools were under Christian missionaries.
“Fourthly, return of schools to missionaries will rob students in missionary schools of the free education policy which is currently being provided by the Edo State government. This further cements our allegation that the state government is seeking to escape from its earlier committed responsibilities.
“We therefore urge Governor Monday Okpebholo to do a rethink over the issue of return of schools to missionaries.”
