NUT opposes Okpebholo’s decision to hand over 36 schools to Catholic mission groups

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Edo State Chapter, has voiced strong opposition to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to transfer schools to a missionary body.

In a letter dated June 24, 2025, and addressed to the governor, the NUT outlined its disapproval. The document was signed by Com. Bernard Gbenga Ajobiewe (State Chairman, NUT), Com. Aremu Rasheed Mayaki (State Secretary, NUT), Com. Enomwonbor Osahon Julius (State President, ANCOPSS), and Com. Efairibhor Peter (State Chairman, AOPSHON).

Governor Okpebholo had earlier approved that 36 primary and secondary schools in the state’s three senatorial zones to be handed over to the Catholic Church.

In their protest letter, the teachers argued that although returning the schools to the Catholic mission might seem beneficial for autonomy and religious rights, it carries serious implications for the education sector and the state at large.

“We are writing to express our concern and disagreement regarding the recent decision of the government to hand over the Catholic missionary schools to their original owners.

“The Catholic Missionary Schools were taken over by the government in the 1970s for a reason. The government’s involvement ensured that education was accessible, affordable, and secular,” the letter said in part.

The NUT emphasised that returning the schools to their previous owners could jeopardise the secular nature of education. They claimed that Catholic mission schools focus more on religious teachings than on secular studies, which could undermine the state’s drive for inclusive learning.

They further claimed that such a move would limit access for low-income families, as Catholic schools are known for their high tuition, potentially shutting out children from poor backgrounds.

The union warned that giving schools to religious organisations could lead to sectarian disputes, and highlighted that mission-owned schools often offer low salaries, which may prevent them from hiring skilled teachers and support staff.

“The handover may create tension between different religious groups, potentially leading to conflicts and undermining the State’s efforts to promote interfaith harmony.

“The decision will set a precedent for other religious groups like the Anglican Communion. Baptist Church, Apostolic Faith and the Muslim faith to demand control over schools, potentially leading to a fragmentation of the education system and undermining the State’s ability to provide quality education to all citizens,” they said.

The Teachers’ Union also raised concerns about what would happen to government staff currently working in the schools, asking, “Will they be transferred to other schools or be laid off?”

They also pointed to the issue of school proximity, explaining that many students would be left without access to nearby public schools if the transfers proceed.

“Our Lady of Fatima College and St. Angela’s Girls Grammar School, Auchi. These two schools are at the two extremes of Jattu. If the two schools are handed over to the Catholic Mission, then there will be no school for the Jattu child.

“The nearest Secondary School is Jattu Secondary School, which is located at the boundary between Jattu and Ibie Nafe, and it’s about 6km from Jattu junction. This is not a trekable distance for children of secondary school age, which is at variance with the UBE Law.

“St. John’s Boys’ Model School is one of the two schools located in Fugar. The nearest school to it is Fugar Mixed Secondary School, which is about 4km from Boys Model. This is also not a trekable distance for children.

“St. James’s Grammar School, Afuze, is the only Government Secondary School in Afuze. The nearest school to it is the Afuze Technical College in Auchi. Afuze Road is located on the outskirts of Afuze.

“St. Joseph’s College Otuo: This is the only Government School taking care of seven major quarters in Otuo. The nearest school is Edeki Grammar School (Anglican Grammar School), Otuo. So in the long run, there will be no government secondary school in Otuo.

“Saint Peter’s Grammar School, Agenebode is the only government school in Agenebode town. The nearest school is the Army Secondary School, located in the 195 Battalion Barracks for Army Children. Saint Peter’s Grammar School takes care of children from the waterside to the Upland. This is the only Government School in Agenebode town.

“St. Aloysius College (Ososo Secondary School is the only Government School in Ososo.

“St. Mary’s Grammar School, Eme Ora. This is the only Government Secondary School in Eme Ora. The nearest school to it is Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabogida Ora, which will be taken over by the Anglican Communion, so there will be no government school in both Eme Ora and Sabogida Ora,” they noted.

According to the NUT, if the Catholic Church is allowed to take over eight schools in Edo North alone, “then in no distant time we expect, the Anglican Communion to take over four schools while the Muslim Faith will also take over another one in the same axis.

“It is obvious that, if these schools are handed over in Edo North, the missionary schools in Edo Central and Edo South will eventually follow. If these schools are handed over to the Catholic Faith, what is the fate of the common man’s child who cannot even afford two good meals a day? What does the Catholic Church want to do with these schools? Will whatever they want to do be in the interest of the common man? Religion, they say, is meant to make us and not to mar us. We urge Mr. Governor, therefore, to reconsider this decision and instead work towards strengthening the public education system, ensuring that students have access to quality, inclusive and secular education.

“Your Excellency, Sir, as a major stakeholder in the Education Sector, we strongly advise that any decision to hand over schools to a religious organisation should be suspended pending due consultation with all relevant stakeholders.”