By Our Correspondent
Lagos, June 26, ’25 (TNZ) The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has blamed Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo State of abdicating his responsibilities by handing over 36 schools to Christian missionaries.
TheNewsZenith reports that MURIC was particularly disturbed that the governor approved the handing over of eight of such schools in Auchi, Edo North, a Muslim dominated area, to Christian missionaries.
The human rights group, therefore, demanded a reversal of the policy, which it described as obnoxious, archaic, myopic, anachronistic and a tragic return to colonial days.
The Executive Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola level the accusation while reacting in a statement on Wednesday.
“Gov. 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, June 24, the governor again approved 28 additional schools in Edo Central and South Senatorial districts to missionary organisations.
“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.
“Also, there is likelihood of fall in qualities among the staff and equipment, following return of the schools to missionaries. Can Edo State Government beat its chest on this after returning schools?
Read Related News:
- Make Oyo education utmost priority – MURIC tells Makinde
- TMC denounces brutal murder of travellers in Edo
- MURIC warns Gov. Adeleke to stop desecrating Islam
- Communal clash leaves 7 dead in Edo
- Edo Polls: Centre urges adherence to ethical conduct
“Edo State labelled its 2024 budget a ‘Budget of Finishing Strong’. But is this kind of abdication anywhere close to finishing strong?
“The state allocated N32.2 billion to education, out of the total budget of N325.3 billion representing 10 per cent.
“The state lawmakers later revised the budget upward to N485.6 billion. 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.
“People have accused the missionaries of forceful conversion, intimidation and coercion of Muslim students. Already, the Edo State Council For Islamic Affairs have protested against this obnoxious policy.
“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.
“Furthermore, return of schools to missionaries will rob students in missionary schools of the state’s free education policy.
“This further cements our allegation that the state government is seeking to escape from its earlier committed responsibilities,” TheNewsZenith quotes MURIC as stating.
It, therefore, urge the governo to do a rethink over the issue of return of schools to missionaries. (TNZ)
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share stories of happenings in your area with TheNewsZenith on WhatsApp: +2348033668669. For more scintillating news, visit our website: www.thenewszenith.com. Also follow us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thenewszenithOnline, Facebook: www.facebook.com/@thenewszenithonline & Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@thenewszenithonline
