Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the return of missionary schools to their original owners, decades after they were taken over by the government in the 1970s.
The announcement followed a meeting on Monday between Governor Okpebholo and the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Gabriel G. Dunia, held at the Government House in Benin City.
According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the State Government will establish a committee to identify the specific Catholic primary and secondary schools to be handed back to the Church. However, schools currently undergoing renovation by the government will remain under state control until the ongoing works are completed.
Among the institutions expected to be returned are 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.
Reacting to the development, Bishop Dunia expressed appreciation for the governor’s decision, noting that past administrations had failed to act on the Church’s repeated appeals for the return of its schools.
He highlighted the critical role of these missionary schools in shaping both the intellectual and moral development of young people, saying: “These institutions are vital to our mission. Beyond academic instruction, they instill ideal moral character, which is the foundation of a healthy society.”
The policy shift marks a major step towards redressing historical grievances and could pave the way for improved educational outcomes through faith-based management in Edo State.
