The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has
strongly cautioned against any attempt to return public schools to missionary
proprietors, as being planned by the Prince Dapo Abiodun's administration in Ogun State
It will recalled that Edu-biznews had earlier on April 10, 2026, reported that Governor Abiodun announced the plan to return missionary schools to the original owners when he was receiving the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Michael Francis Crotty, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, alongside the Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Francis Obafemi Adesina, the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, Peter Odetoyinbo, and other church officials
But NACOMYO in a statement on Sunday jointly signed by its State Co-ordinator, Alhaji AbdulBariu K. Lawal and Secretary General.Ibrahim Amobigold, described such a move as divisive and capable of undermining decades of peaceful coexistence and public investment in the education sector.
The apex Muslim Youth organization issued the statement after its Council’s Expanded State Meeting
held on the 12th of April 2026, @ Secretariat Mosque Oke ilewo where critical issues affecting Muslim youths and the wider society were deliberated upon.
At the meeting, NACOMYO reviewed its ongoing activities and preparations
for the forthcoming Hijrah (Islamic New Year) celebration scheduled for the
1st of Muharram (June 2026).
The Council expressing grave concern over the recent statement
attributed to the State Governor on the proposed return of public schools
to their original missionary owners, says
such a policy direction is not only ill-conceived but poses a direct threat to
social harmony and national integration
"Public schools in the state have, over the years, evolved into inclusive
institutions where students from different religious backgrounds coexist, learn, and grow together. Muslim students attend historically Christian-founded schools, just as Christian students attend historically Muslim-founded schools"
"This shared educational space has become a critical pillar of unity. Any attempt to reverse this reality amounts to a dangerous step backward, capable of fueling religious segregation, institutional bias, and avoidable tension among citizens", NACOMYO unequivocally stated
The Council further notes with serious concern that enormous public resources
have been committed over time to the development, maintenance, and
expansion of these schools.
Transferring such publicly funded assets to private or sectarian control according to the statement, raises fundamental questions about accountability, equity,
and the responsible management of state resources.
The organization described the move as
unacceptable, maintaining that
institutions sustained by taxpayers should be subjected to policy decisions that disregard their collective ownership.
NACOMYO also rejects the ambiguity surrounding the proposed policy,
particularly the lack of clarity on the fate of students, teaching staff, and the
operational framework of such schools if returned.
"Policies that affect the lives
and future of thousands must not be approached with uncertainty or unilateral
decision-making"
.
The Council therefore called on the State Government to immediately clarify
its position and halt any move that could compromise the unity, stability, and
inclusiveness of the education system.
NACOMYO insisted that any reform
within the sector must be guided by broad stakeholder consultation, fairness,
and a firm commitment to preserving the gains of peaceful coexistence.
"NACOMYO remains resolute in its duty to defend the interests of Muslim
youths and the broader society. While the Council is committed to dialogue
and constructive engagement, we will not hesitate to mobilize lawful civic
resistance against policies capable of undermining national unity and social
justice. Thus we will not stand by in silence in the face of policies capable of
eroding social cohesion and justice", the statement concluded
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