* Warn reversing school policy could undermine confidence, disrupt education system
The Ogun State Muslim Council has expressed strong opposition to the planned return of mission founded schools previously acquired by the government to their original missionary owners, describing the move as a politicisation of religion and a religionalisation of politics that does not serve the public interest.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Kamal’deen Akintunde, the council said the issue of school ownership had already been resolved by previous administrations, which encouraged missionary organisations to establish private schools alongside government owned institutions.
The council argued that the existing arrangement has worked effectively over the years and warned that reversing it could undermine public confidence and disrupt the education system.
According to the council, the original owners of the schools were duly compensated when the government took over the institutions, while public funds have since been used to maintain, upgrade and expand them.
It said returning the schools to private hands would amount to transferring public assets built with taxpayers’ money.
The group also raised concerns about the potential increase in the number of out of school children, noting that public schools remain the most accessible option for many families in Ogun State.
It warned that many parents may not be able to afford private education if the policy is implemented, thereby worsening the already existing challenge of access to education.
The council further cautioned that the move could threaten inter faith harmony in the state, especially as it is being considered towards the end of the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
It stated that any policy capable of disrupting the peaceful coexistence among religious groups should be reconsidered in the interest of stability and unity.
On religious freedom, the council expressed fears that Muslim students in affected schools could face restrictions on their religious practices if the institutions are returned to missionary control, describing this as a potential violation of their constitutional rights.
The OMC also questioned the timing of the policy, linking it to a recent visit by a delegation of Catholic priests to the governor.
It urged the state government to prioritise public interest and avoid actions that could be perceived as favouring specific religious groups.
The council called on the government to reverse the planned policy, stressing the need to preserve public trust and maintain the harmonious coexistence of residents in the state.
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