By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State Government has handed over four schools to the Catholic Education Commission, Archdiocese of Benin City, as part of a broader initiative to return schools to their original missionary owners.
The handed-over schools include
- St. Angela’s Girls Grammar School*, Uzairue
- St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School*, Benin City
- *Annunciation Catholic College (ACC)*, Irrua
- *Obaseki Primary School (formerly St. Patrick’s Primary School)*, Airport Road, Benin City
This decision was made in recognition of the Catholic Mission’s long-standing contributions to education in the state, promoting academic excellence, moral discipline, and community service.
Governor Monday Okpebholo emphasized the importance of this move, stating it would enhance educational standards through faith-based initiatives .
The governor had earlier announced plans to return schools to their original owners in June 2025, with a committee set up to identify specific schools for handover.
Some of the schools expected to be affected by this policy include
- *Our Lady of Fatima College*, Auchi
- *St. John Grammar School*, Fugar
- *St. Peter’s Grammar School*, Agenebode
- *St. James’s Grammar School*, Afuze
- *St. Joseph College*, Otuo
- *St. Mary Grammar School*, Eme-Ora
- *St. Aloysius Gonzaga Grammar School*, Ososo
Despite criticism from some stakeholders, including the Muslim body, Governor Okpebholo remains committed to the initiative, which aims to address long-standing grievances and potentially improve educational standards in the state
Edo Govt Hands Over St Angela’s , 3 Other Schools to Catholic Church”
