The Edo State Government has officially handed over four schools to the Catholic Education Commission (CEC), Archdiocese of Benin City, in line with a directive from Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The schools include St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School, Benin City; Annunciation Catholic College (ACC), Irrua; St. Angela’s Girls Grammar School, Uzairue; and Obaseki Primary School (formerly St. Patrick’s Primary School), Airport Road, Benin City.

In a letter dated August 6, 2025, from the Office of the Commissioner, Ministry of Education, the government stated that the decision was made in recognition of the Catholic Mission’s long-standing contributions to education in the state.

It would be recalled that Okpebholo approved the return of schools to missionary organisations in Edo State in June this year.

Prominent institutions such as Our Lady of Fatima College, Auchi; St. Angela’s Grammar School, Uzairue; St. John Grammar School, Fugar; St. Peter’s Grammar School, Agenebode; St. James’s Grammar School, Afuze; St. Joseph College, Otuo; St. Mary Grammar School, Eme-Ora; and St. Aloysius Gonzaga Grammar School, Ososo, were among the schools.

The move comes decades after the civil government forcefully took over Catholic primary and secondary schools in the 1970s.

This decision was announced following a meeting between the Governor and the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Gabriel G. Dunia, in Government House, Benin City, Edo State capital.

The statement acknowledged the Catholic Mission’s role in promoting academic excellence, moral discipline, and community service, noting that generations of Edo citizens had benefited from its efforts.

Okpebholo expressed appreciation to the CEC and the Archdiocese of Benin City for their continued dedication to shaping young minds and building character.

The return of the institutions, the government said, is a testament to the trust and respect the Mission has earned over the years.