By Favour Oyinade
The Ondo State Government says it was not in a hurry to hand over any public school to the mission, but where necessary, the consent of all stakeholders would be obtained, while the interest of the general public would be considered.
The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olufemi Agagu FNIVS, while addressing representatives of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion and other stakeholders during a meeting with members of the Committee on Return of Mission Schools, said government would only yield to such request if it would be for the overall benefit of the people.
Delegates from the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion were at the office of the Commissioner to seek the understanding of members of the Committee on Return of Mission Schools, and other stakeholders, in their quests to take over some public schools
The Commissioner, who also doubles as the Chairman, Committee on Return of Mission Schools, said any mission that wishes to take over schools in the state must show a satisfactory commitment and provide a proof of competence.
The Committee, according to him would also carry out a wide range of consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including the Parents/Teachers Association, the Old Students Association and the community among others, collate the results and send the same to Mr Governor for consideration.
Mr. Agagu hinted that the Catholic Mission was able to fulfill these requirements, prompting government to grant it partial approval, which means it could only admit students into JSS1
He assured that government would not forcefully return unwilling school to the Mission, but seek the consent of all stakeholders to ensure that it was a collective efforts and a win-win situation for everyone.
While insisting that government would explore all available options to make education better in the state, the Commissioner said where a mission satisfies all the requirements, government would not hand over to it more than two schools.
The Bishop of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Akure Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Borokini, said the Mission had been agitating for return of it’s schools for over ten years.
According to him, Anglican Communion has a total of 39 schools across the state and was ready to run the schools handed over to it in partnership with other relevant stakeholders.
The Bishop said a letter had been sent to the State Governor on the matter, and expressed optimism that Diocese would get a favourable response.
Olaoluwa Meshack
DDI, Info & Media.
