The Edo State Government has officially begun the process of returning public schools to the Catholic Mission, starting with the historic St. Maria Goretti College in Benin City. This move follows Governor Monday Okpebholo’s announcement earlier this month to hand over schools to their original missionary owners.
Governor Okpebholo had first announced the decision during a meeting with Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi on June 16, 2025. He initially listed eight schools in the Edo North senatorial district and, a week later, added 28 more across Edo Central and Edo South, bringing the total to 36 schools.
Despite protests and opposition from some stakeholders in the education sector, the governor moved forward with the handover on Friday, June 27, by transferring control of St. Maria Goretti College to the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin at a formal ceremony held at the Ministry of Education.
Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, and officials from the Catholic Mission were present at the event.
Governor Okpebholo said the decision was part of his broader education reform aimed at restoring discipline, academic excellence, and moral values to the school system.
St. Maria Goretti College, an all-girls school named after the young Catholic saint known for her virtue and courage, has a long-standing reputation for producing well-rounded women who excel academically and morally.
While the state government maintains the reform will improve school standards, some parents, teachers, and education unions have expressed concern over how the transition may affect staff and students.
The government has promised to ensure a smooth handover process and maintain collaboration with the Catholic Mission to serve the interests of students and communities involved.
