Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to return missionary schools in the state to their original owners, marking a significant policy shift aimed at strengthening collaboration between the government and faith-based institutions in the education sector.
The governor made this disclosure on Friday while receiving the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Michael Francis Crotty, during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The envoy was accompanied by the Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Francis Obafemi Adesina, the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, Peter Odetoyinbo, and other senior church officials.
Abiodun emphasized that the decision aligns with his administration’s broader vision of inclusive governance and sustainable development, stressing that the government cannot operate in isolation.
“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,” the governor stated.
He acknowledged the historical role of religious organizations in advancing education and healthcare, noting that their contributions have been instrumental in shaping society long before government intervention became widespread.
Describing Ogun State as a model of religious harmony, Abiodun said the peaceful coexistence among various faiths has been a major driver of the state’s socio-economic growth. He added that the state is increasingly becoming a destination for religious tourism, further boosting its development profile.
Highlighting the influence of the Catholic Church globally and locally, the governor pointed to its estimated 1.2 billion adherents worldwide, about 34 million in Nigeria, and roughly 1.2 million in Ogun State. He noted that the Church’s investments in education and healthcare continue to complement government efforts.
“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. The role of faith-based organisations is duly appreciated,” he said.
Abiodun also attributed the successes of his administration to the support and prayers of the faithful, expressing confidence in Crotty’s diplomatic mission and assuring him of continued cooperation.
“Do not doubt that you will do well in your chosen path, and this visit will benefit both the Church and the state,” he added.
In his remarks, Crotty commended the Ogun State government for fostering a stable and supportive environment that has enabled the Catholic Church to thrive.
“Your provision of a stable and supportive political environment has significantly enhanced the mission of the Catholic Church in your state, and we are grateful for that,” he said.
The Apostolic Nuncio urged the government to sustain and deepen its collaboration with the Church, particularly in the critical sectors of education and healthcare, where both institutions share common developmental goals.
He also praised the administration’s initiative to return missionary schools, expressing optimism that Catholic-owned institutions—especially those in the dioceses of Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta—would benefit from the policy.
“The Catholic Church is willing to collaborate with the state in strengthening human development, which is central to the mission and social teaching of the Church,” Crotty said.
The proposed return of missionary schools is expected to rekindle partnerships that many believe could improve standards, discipline, and infrastructure in the education system, while reinforcing the role of faith-based organizations in community development.
