Gov. Okpebholo approves return of Missionary Schools to original owners

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the return of some secondary schools in the state to their original missionary owners.

This marks the second time the state government is taking such a step since former Governor Lucky Igbinedion earlier handed back schools like Immaculate Conception College, Edo College, Baptist Girls School, and Eghosa Grammar School.

Governor Okpebholo made this announcement following a meeting with Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi. He said a committee would be set up to identify the specific schools to be returned, while clarifying that any of the schools currently undergoing renovation would remain under government supervision until work is completed.

Among the schools listed for return are Our Lady of Fatima College in Auchi, St. Angela’s Grammar School in Uzairue, St. John Grammar School in Fugar, St. Peter’s Grammar School in Agenebode, St. James’s Grammar School in Afuze, St. Joseph College in Otuo, St. Mary Grammar School in Eme-Ora, and St. Aloysius Gonzaga Grammar School in Ososo.

Bishop Dunia, in response, expressed appreciation to the governor for granting the church’s long-standing request. He lamented that previous administrations had ignored their appeals but praised Governor Okpebholo for recognising the importance of faith-based education, which focuses not only on academic excellence but also on moral upbringing.