The Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs, on Monday, said that Muslims and others who do not share the Catholic faith are apprehensive about the proposed handing over of schools to missionaries, lamenting its potential implications.

Chairman, Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdulazeez Nosakhare Igbinidu, made this known to newsmen in a statement he signed in Benin.

Igbinidu said that handing over these schools may deny some students access to free education, which the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration currently provides.

He lamented the pronouncement by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on the handing over of schools to missionaries.

“As the umbrella body of Muslim organisations, Muslim communities, and individual Muslims, and after making consultations and holding meetings with stakeholders, we react to this pronouncement as follows.

“We appreciate your people-oriented programs in the state, which are having a positive impact on the people. We also value your magnanimity in involving Muslims in governance more than any previous governor since the state’s creation.

“However, regarding the proposed handing over of schools to missionaries, we have noted various reactions from organisations in the media. As a council, it became imperative that we share our perspectives and state the following: Governments have, over time, invested in these schools, providing benefits to all residents regardless of their religious affiliations.

“That handing over these schools may deny some students access to free education, which your administration currently provides.

“That not all citizens can afford exorbitant fees charged by private schools, making it essential to maintain accessible public education.

“That the free education you are presently providing to students in public schools will definitely elude those who are presently enjoying it in these schools.

“That not every individual or family can afford private school, and this will lead to an increase in school dropouts for those who don’t have alternatives,” he said.

He explained that the possibility of non-Catholic children being forced to imbibe principles at variance with their present faith when there are no alternatives cannot be ruled out.

Igbinidu pleaded with the Edo State government to consult more with stakeholders to ameliorate the negative effects of returning the schools to the missionaries.

He urged the governor to take action on the handover of these schools until alternative solutions for those who will be affected are provided.

“We plead with the government to maintain the current harmonious relationship between Edo citizens.

“I have to note here that this supersedes any other view(s) credited to the council directly or indirectly on this matter.

“Once again, we thank you for your understanding, and it is hoped that this request will be given appropriate attention,” Igbinidu said.