By Saintmoses Eromosele
Senator Monday Okpebholo’s promise to return schools to missionaries if elected Governor of Edo State is as redundant as it is out of touch with current realities. While it might seem like a fresh, bold initiative to some, a closer look reveals it to be nothing more than a poorly researched campaign promise that ignores the progress already made in the state.
In fact, many missionary schools in Edo State have already been returned to their original proprietors. For instance, in 2018, the Edo State government officially handed over several missionary schools to their respective religious bodies for example Immaculate Conception College (ICC) Beniin has since been retuened to the Catholic Mission. This move was part of a broader effort to restore the historical and cultural significance of these institutions, as well as to leverage the managerial expertise of these religious organizations in running educational institutions.
The promise by Senator Okpebholo, therefore, smacks of either ignorance or a deliberate attempt to either misinform the public or capitalize on a non-issue. It raises the question: Does Senator Okpebholo not know about the 2018 handover? Or is he banking on the electorate’s ignorance of this fact? Either scenario is troubling for a potential governor.
Furthermore, the returned schools have shown significant improvements under their original missionary management. The schools have benefited from enhanced administrative oversight, better discipline, and a resurgence in moral and ethical education – qualities often associated with missionary education systems. These improvements are well-documented and highlight the effectiveness of the 2018 initiative..
In light of these facts, Senator Okpebholo’s campaign promise seems less about genuine educational reform and more about scoring cheap political points. Instead of rehashing settled issues, the Senator would do well to focus on new and innovative educational policies that address current gaps and future challenges.
So, before being swayed by flashy promises that lack substance, voters should ask: What else is the Senator uninformed about? And can Edo State afford a governor whose vision for the future is clouded by misconceptions about the present? Aren’t Senator Okpebholo’s repeated gaffes too numerous and alarming?
