The League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State has opposed the state government’s proposed plan to hand over public schools to missionary organisations, describing the move as ill-conceived and capable of triggering religious imbalance.
The group’s position followed recent remarks by Governor Dapo Abiodun, who disclosed during a courtesy visit by Catholic clerics that the administration was considering returning mission schools to their original owners.
The governor, who received the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Crotty, alongside Catholic bishops in Abeokuta, noted that religious bodies had historically contributed to the development of education and that government alone could not meet sectoral demands without private sector participation.
However, in a statement issued on Monday in Abeokuta, the Secretary-General of the League, Imam Tajudeen Adewunmi, faulted the proposal, warning that it could undermine unity and fairness in the state.
He argued that the nationalisation of schools in the past was aimed at eliminating sectarian dominance in public education, adding that reversing the policy would reopen old divisions.
According to him, the planned action reflects a disregard for equity and inclusiveness in a multi-religious society.
“Returning public schools to religious bodies is a step backward that could erode the harmony that has existed in the state for decades,” he said.
The group maintained that the policy, if implemented, would favour a particular religious interest at the expense of others, describing it as unacceptable.
It, therefore, called for the immediate withdrawal of the proposal, stressing that any attempt to proceed without broad consultation would be resisted through lawful means.
The Muslim leaders further insisted that public institutions funded and maintained with taxpayers’ resources should remain under government control to ensure equal access for all citizens.
They urged the state government to adopt policies that promote unity and inclusiveness, rather than actions capable of deepening divisions among residents.
