Bishop Urges Osun Government to Return Mission Schools to Anglican Church

The Bishop of the Diocese of Ife, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade has appealed to the Osun State Government to return mission schools to their original owners, citing the deteriorating condition of these institutions. 

He made this call during a press conference in Ile-Ife on Tuesday, 6th May, before the second session of the diocese’s 12th synod.

Bishop Akinlade expressed concern over the poor state of the schools, noting that some structures are on the verge of collapse yet still in use by students.

 He spoke on the need for the government to release these schools back to the church to facilitate their development and provide a conducive learning environment.

 He referenced the precedent set by President Bola Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State Governor, where mission schools were returned to their original owners.

He specifically mentioned the Anglican Grammar School in Ile-Ife as one of the institutions that should be returned to the church.

 Bishop Akinlade added that previous appeals, including those by his predecessor, Bishop Oluranti Odubogun, to former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, had not yielded positive results.

In addition to advocating for the return of mission schools, Bishop Akinlade discussed the diocese’s ongoing educational initiatives, notably the Divine Royal College. 

Established by the diocese to promote education among young people, the school offers affordable education with subsidised fees ranging between N25,000 and N30,000 per term.

 The diocese has also provided 50 scholarships to support students. Due to rising fuel prices affecting transportation costs, the diocese is subsidising over 75% of the transportation expenses for students. 

Efforts are underway to meet the West African Examinations Council’s and National Examinations Council’s requirements, enabling students to sit for external exams within the school.

Various stakeholders have echoed the call for the return of mission schools.

  In Ekiti State, the government returned Christ School, Ado-Ekiti, to the Anglican Communion, acknowledging that such moves help build a future generation of value-driven and morally sound individuals.

Similarly, old student associations in Osun State have urged the government to return missionary schools to their original owners to prevent the decline in the education sector.

The Osun State Government has indicated ongoing negotiations regarding the return of mission schools, suggesting that discussions are still in progress.

Bishop Akinlade’s appeal adds to the growing calls for restoring these institutions to their founding bodies, aiming to revitalise the educational landscape in the state.