Editor
A prominent Muslim advocacy group, Edo Muslims for Equity and Good Governance (EMEGG), has voiced "deep concern" over the Edo State Government's proposed handover of public schools to Christian missionaries in the state.
The group, representing the wider Muslim Ummah in Edo State, has penned an open letter to Governor Monday Okpebholo, urging a "rethink" and "wider consultation" on the matter.
In the letter, signed by General Coordinator Sirajudeen Muhammad and Secretary Abdullah Umar, EMEGG acknowledged that some of the schools may have been initially established by missionaries.
However, they emphasized that "many of the lands upon which these institutions were built were generously donated by host communities, some of which are predominantly Muslims."
EMEGG highlighted that since the government's takeover, these schools have been "maintained and developed with public funds derived from taxes paid by all citizens of the state, Muslims and non-Muslims alike."
They contend that it is "unjust and inequitable to return such institutions to private religious bodies without due consultation and consideration of the diverse religious makeup of our state."
A key concern raised by EMEGG is the potential impact on Muslim students and teachers within these schools. The group directly questioned whether their "rights to religious expression, education and employment will be protected under the new management" and if the "learning environment will remain inclusive and non-discriminatory."
The letter respectfully urged Governor Okpebholo's administration to "tread with caution and engage in broad-based consultations involving all religious and community stakeholders before making such far-reaching decisions."
EMEGG stressed the importance of preserving the "unity, peace and inclusiveness of Edo State."
The group "strongly advised that any decision to cede ownership or control of public schools to religious organizations should be suspended pending such consultations."
They concluded by emphasizing that "the government must ensure that the interests of all citizens irrespective of faith are adequately safeguarded."
As of reporting, there has been no official response from the Edo State Government regarding EMEGG's letter. The call for broader consultation comes amidst ongoing discussions about the future of public education in Edo State.
