Major education unions in Edo State have rejected the state government’s plan to return some public schools to their original missionary owners.
The unions, including 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), expressed their opposition in a joint letter dated June 24.
,The letter 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.
The unions cautioned that missionary schools were known for high tuition fees and religious-centric curricula, which could exclude children from poor backgrounds and conflict with national education standards.
They also questioned the fate of public servants currently working in the affected schools, asking, “What happens to the government workers in these schools? Will they be transferred or laid off?”
Citing specific examples, the unions said some of the missionary-founded schools earmarked for return were the only government secondary schools in their host communities.
They argued that returning these schools would lead to the “fragmentation of the education system” and increase inequality.
The unions urged Governor Monday Okpebholo 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.
Some of the schools that may be subject to future claims include: Anglican Grammar School, Igarra, Ikpomaza Grammar School, Okpella, Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Agbede, St. Joseph’s Grammar School in Otuo
The unions reaffirmed their commitment to supporting any government policy aimed at improving education in the state, but insisted that such moves must prioritize equity and access.
“What is the fate of the common man’s child who cannot even afford two square meals a day?” they asked.
