The council described the move as a “politicisation of religion” and an unnecessary “religionalisation of politics,” which it said does not serve any clear public interest.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abeokuta and signed by its Secretary-General, Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde, the OMC said the issue of school ownership had been effectively settled by previous administrations.
It noted that the existing arrangement encouraged missionary bodies to establish new private schools to operate alongside public schools, a model it said had worked successfully over the years.
The council based its opposition on four key grounds.
On public investment, the OMC stated that the original owners of the schools were duly compensated at the point of government takeover, adding that the institutions had since been maintained and expanded with public funds.
It argued that returning such schools to private ownership would amount to a breach of public trust.
The council also warned that the move could increase the number of out-of-school children in the state, noting that public primary and secondary schools currently accommodate the majority of students.
According to the OMC, many parents may not be able to afford private education if the policy is implemented.
On inter-faith relations, the council expressed concern that the policy could disrupt the religious harmony currently enjoyed in the state.
“Inter-faith harmony is a democratic norm, and any policy that threatens this delicate balance is ill-conceived,” the statement said.
The council further raised concerns about possible infringement on the religious freedom of Muslim students, stating that missionary control of the schools could lead to the imposition of religious practices contrary to their beliefs.
It also questioned the timing of the policy, noting that it followed a recent visit by a delegation of Catholic priests to the governor.
The OMC wondered whether the decision was influenced by clerical demands or political considerations, particularly as the current administration winds down.
While acknowledging the government’s position that it cannot shoulder educational responsibilities alone, the council maintained that partnerships with missionary organisations should not involve the transfer of public assets.
The OMC, therefore, called on the state government to reconsider and reverse the planned policy in the interest of public good and sustained peaceful coexistence in Ogun.
