Ondo Govt Set To Return Mission Schools To Original Owners

By Ayodele Oni

Despite opposition from a section, Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has reiterated his administration’s readiness to return missionary schools in the state to the original owners.

The Governor, however, disclosed that only the Catholic Church has signified interest to take over its schools in the state.

The state government decision may lead to redeployment and redistribution of teaching and non teaching staff in schools to be affected.

The move is also expected to reduce the administration’s burden in funding some of the public institutions, which has led to increment of fees in some of the schools.

Governor Akeredolu spoke while receiving the new chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Father Anselm Olorunfemi Ologunwa in Akure.

“We have promised that we will return schools to the missionaries and we are keeping to our promise. It is only the Catholic Church that has shown interest.

“A group of people is opposed to it. Our position is that if you are not interested in taking ownership of your school, don’t discourage others.

“The Catholic has requested for two secondary schools and two primary schools. If you can run your school, come and take it.

“I know about Aquinas College. It is clean. The progress there is because of what the old boys association and Catholic are doing there. Anyone that is ready to run schools should come. Most of us are products of missionary schools.”

Governor Akeredolu noted that the most important thing to his administration is spiritual guidance and prayers.

Earlier, the immediate past Chairman of CAN, Reverend John Ayo Oladapo, thanked the Governor for his support and love towards CAN.

“It is my joy to be here today to thank God for your life and the support that I received as CAN chairman, Ondo state. You are indeed a father. We appreciate the love and the support that we have enjoyed,” Oladapo said.

The new Chairman, Rev. Father Ologunwa, assured the Governor of the support and cooperation of CAN in the state.

Ologunwa said: “We want to assure you of our individual and collective civic responsibility to make this state beautiful and habitable for all through our prayers and ready abiding citizens.

“We are here to encourage and pray for you and to entrust you and your team of executives to God Almighty that He may guide your affairs to the greater glory of His Holy name and for the good of humanity.

“We urge you to be spiritually fortified in Christ, find strength and grace through prayer for good stewardship from God whom it has pleased to choose you to serve as Governor of our dear State.

“Equally, your election as the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum is a wonderful testimony to your political progress and an opportunity for you to contribute to tackling the worrisome issues of poverty, violence, illiteracy, youth idleness and their Involvement in crime and violence — factors which have greatly retarded our progress especially in Nigeria.”