MSSN opposes the planned return of Ogun public schools to missionaries

The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Ogun State Area Unit, on Sunday criticized Governor Dapo Abiodun’s plan to return public schools to their original owners, describing the move as discriminatory and harmful to public education..

The group, in a statement released on April 12, 2026 and signed by its Emir, AbdulFatah Akanni Adigun, condemned the governor’s statement allegedly made on April 10 while hosting officials of the Catholic Church, including the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria and bishops of Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta.

The statement said the proposed policy, if implemented, would undermine access to education, threaten religious harmony and violate constitutional provisions governing public education.

The company argued that transferring ownership of public schools to religious entities under the guise of “partnership” amounted to “privatization of public assets built with taxpayer funds.”

It noted: “True partnership requires mutual contribution and shared responsibility, not a unilateral transfer of government-owned institutions to private religious control.”

The MSSN argued that similar policies in other parts of the country had resulted in increased tuition, limited access and alleged marginalization of students of different religious backgrounds.

Raising legal concerns, the group insisted that the Ogun State government did not have the constitutional authority to transfer ownership of public schools without legislative support and a clearly defined transition framework.

Citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the company said the government has a responsibility to provide inclusive and non-discriminatory public education.

The group also warned that the proposed move could cause disruptions in academic activities, including examination processes and document management, particularly for students in critical classes.

He added that the policy could worsen existing challenges in the education sector, especially in areas with high student populations such as Abeokuta South, where many schools are claimed to have been originally established by missionaries.

The MSSN also expressed concern about the fate of teachers, noting that thousands of educators currently employed by the state could face job insecurity, stalled career progression or possible disengagement if schools were handed over to private religious organizations.

“The transfer does not automatically guarantee the protection of teachers’ rights, including pensions and job security, thus exposing them to uncertainty,” the statement added.

The group warned that the policy could erode Ogun State’s long tradition of religious tolerance and coexistence, stressing that public schools have historically served as neutral spaces for all citizens regardless of faith.

He called on the governor to immediately reverse the decision in the interest of peace and fairness, urging stakeholders, including religious leaders, education unions and civil society groups, to oppose the move.

“We call for the immediate withdrawal of this statement to preserve the integrity of public education and ensure that schools remain accessible to all without religious bias,” the statement read.

Attempts to get a response from the Ogun State Government at the time of filing this report were unsuccessful.

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