By USMAN ALIYU

Major education unions in Edo State have rejected the state government?s plan to return some public schools to their original missionary owners.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Monday Okpebholo announced the proposed handover on June 16 during a courtesy visit by Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi.

However, in a strong-worded joint letter dated June 24, the unions expressed their opposition to the move.

They include the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON).

The letter, obtained by NAN on Wednesday, was signed by Comrade Bernard Ajobiewe (NUT State Chairman), Comrade Rasheed Mayaki (NUT State Secretary), Comrade Osahon Julius (ANCOPSS State President), and Comrade Efairibhor Peter (AOPSHON State Chairman).

The unions warned that the handover could compromise the secular nature of public education, limit access for children from low-income families, and potentially ignite religious tension in the state.

?The government?s involvement has ensured that education remains accessible, affordable, and secular. Returning these schools to missionary owners threatens to erode those gains,? the statement said.

They cautioned that missionary schools are known for high tuition fees and religious-centric curricula, which could exclude children from poor backgrounds and conflict with national education standards.

The unions warned that granting the Catholic Church?s request could prompt other religious groups, such as the Anglican Communion and Muslim organisations, to seek control of their former schools.

According to the unions, such a development could lead to the ?fragmentation of the education system? and increase inequality.

They also questioned the fate of public servants currently working in the affected schools.

?What happens to the government workers in these schools? Will they be transferred or laid off?? they queried.

Citing specific examples, the unions said some of the missionary-founded schools earmarked for return are the only government secondary schools in their host communities.

?For instance, St. Joseph?s Grammar School in Otuo serves seven quarters. If returned, there will be no government school left in the area.

?Children would have to trek over six kilometres to the next available school, violating the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act,? they argued.

They further listed other schools that may be subject to future claims, including Anglican Grammar School, Igarra; Ikpomaza Grammar School, Okpella; and Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Agbede.

?What is the fate of the common man?s child who cannot even afford two square meals a day?? they asked.

The unions urged the governor to reconsider the decision and instead invest in strengthening the public education system for all.

?We strongly advise that any plan to return public schools to religious organisations be suspended pending wide consultation with relevant stakeholders,? they said.

The unions reaffirmed their commitment to supporting any government policy aimed at improving education in the state, but insisted that such moves must prioritise equity and access. (NAN)

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