Ogun to Return Missionary Schools to Original Owners, says Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced that his administration will return missionary schools in the state to their original owners as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration in the education sector.

Abiodun made the disclosure on Friday while receiving the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Michael Francis Crotty, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The delegation also included the Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Francis Obafemi Adesina, the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, Peter Odetoyinbo, and other church leaders.

The governor said the decision was part of a broader strategy to deepen partnerships between government and faith-based organisations in delivering quality education and healthcare.

“We will return all missionary schools to their owners. It is not our policy to do it alone. We need to join hands with private individuals, and we encourage further partnership with the Church to expand development,” he said.

Abiodun noted that religious bodies have historically played a critical role in education and health development in Nigeria, stressing that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of national development.

He described Ogun State as a centre of religious harmony, adding that peaceful coexistence among different faiths has contributed significantly to the state’s socio-economic growth.

“The services rendered by religious bodies help in achieving peace in the state. Our people believe you more than politicians because they believe politicians make promises without fulfilling them,” he said.

The governor also attributed his administration’s achievements to the support and prayers of religious institutions, expressing optimism about stronger future collaboration.

Earlier, the Apostolic Nuncio, Michael Francis Crotty, commended the governor for promoting religious harmony and creating an enabling environment for the Church’s operations in the state.

He praised the ongoing process of returning schools to their original missionary owners, describing it as a positive step for human development.

“The Catholic Church is willing to collaborate with the state in strengthening human development, which is central to its mission,” he said.

Crotty urged the government to deepen partnerships with faith-based institutions, particularly in education and healthcare delivery.