Muslim Group Urges Governor Okpebholo to Reconsider School Return Policy

By Editor

The Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) in Edo State has appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to reconsider his decision to return schools to missionary organizations. In a statement signed by its chairman, Alh. Madu Mammadi, the group expressed concerns that the move could deepen religious divisions and damage peaceful coexistence among different faiths in the state.

While commending the governor’s leadership, the group warned that transferring ownership of public schools to churches could endanger the Muslim population, which makes up about 40% of the state’s population. They argued that the policy would make quality education less accessible to children from Muslim backgrounds who may feel excluded or marginalized.

The group highlighted that some of the schools were initiated by Muslim initiatives, and the lands were donated by local communities, many of whom are predominantly Muslims. They also noted that most original church structures have been replaced with buildings funded by taxpayers, both Christians and Muslims.

The AMP urged the governor to reconsider the policy decision and offered to participate in stakeholder engagements or public hearings if necessary. They emphasized that the decision could intensify religious tensions and create avoidable security challenges that could be difficult to contain.