BY IDAHOSA MUSA
A Muslim advocacy group in Edo State has advised Governor Monday Okpebholo against his administration’s recent decision to return certain public secondary schools to Christian missionary organisations.
The group, Edo Muslims for Equity and Good Governance (EMEGG), expressed deep concern over the implications of the policy, especially for Muslim students and teachers in the affected schools.
In a statement signed by its General Coordinator, Sirajudeen Muhammad, and Secretary, Abdullah Umar, the group urged the governor to reconsider the move and carry out wider consultations with stakeholders before proceeding.
The statement argued that while some of the schools were originally established by missionary bodies, many were built on lands donated by predominantly Muslim communities and have since been maintained with public funds drawn from taxes paid by citizens of all faiths.
“It is unjust and inequitable to hand over such institutions to private religious bodies without due consultation,” the group said.
EMEGG questioned whether Muslim students and teachers would continue to enjoy their rights to religious expression and employment under a new Christian mission administration.
The group warned that such a policy, if hastily implemented, could undermine the religious inclusivity and peaceful coexistence in the state.
They called on the government to suspend the policy until a broader dialogue involving all religious and community groups is held.
“The unity and inclusiveness of Edo State must be preserved above all else,” the statement added.
The schools affected by the proposed handover include 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 Grammar School, Afuze; St. Joseph College, Otuo; St. Mary Grammar School, Eme-Ora; and St. Aloysius Gonzaga Grammar School, Ososo.
The policy was announced earlier this week by Governor Okpebholo through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
