Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State says the government will soon set up a committee to begin the process of returning missionary schools to their original owners.
The governor made this known on Monday in Benin during a visit by Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo explained that only specific schools would be considered for handover. He said a committee would be set up to identify the schools eligible for transfer.
He added that some schools currently undergoing renovation would remain under government supervision until all work is completed. These include institutions like Our Lady of Fatima College, St. Angela’s Grammar School, and St. John Grammar School.
Governor Okpebholo said the decision is part of efforts to improve the quality of education and restore moral values through faith-based management of schools.
Earlier, Bishop Dunia thanked the governor and noted that several past administrations had ignored the Church’s requests to reclaim its schools.
He highlightedd that Church-run schools not only delivered academic excellence but also helped in shaping students with discipline and strong moral values.
