The Edo State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and other Islamic organizations have called on Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate, to reverse his support for the controversial policy to return public schools to their original missionary owners, warning it could marginalize non-Christian students and deepen religious inequality.

The appeal was made in a joint statement issued after a meeting of Islamic stakeholders in Benin City. The group expressed concern that the planned handover, widely supported by Christian missions and some political leaders, could infringe on the rights of Muslim pupils and lead to faith-based discrimination in state-funded educational institutions.

“We are not against mission schools per se, but public institutions must remain inclusive, secular, and accessible to all, regardless of faith,” the statement read.

The Muslim leaders urged Okpebholo to reconsider his position and prioritize policies that foster religious harmony, equity, and educational access for all. They also called for broader stakeholder engagement before any such policy is implemented.

Senator Okpebholo had earlier expressed support for restoring some historically church-owned schools to their original owners as part of efforts to revive moral values and academic discipline, citing the success of similar models in Lagos and other states.

But the Muslim community warns that such a move—if not carefully managed—could reintroduce faith-based gatekeeping, limit access to public education for Muslim students and teachers, and reverse years of inclusive policy gains.

“We seek assurances that no child will be forced to adopt religious practices contrary to their belief under the guise of academic excellence,” said Alhaji Yusuf Ogbebor, a prominent cleric.

The Edo State Government has yet to officially endorse or reject the policy, but political observers say the growing controversy may influence campaign dynamics ahead of the September 2025 gubernatorial election.