Osun Anglican Bishop Renews Call for Return of Mission Schools to Original Owners

[Student Village]

The Bishop of the Diocese of Ife, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Rt. Rev’d Olubunmi Akinlade, has made a renewed appeal to the Osun State Government, urging it to return mission-owned schools to their original proprietors. This call was made during a press conference held in Ile-Ife ahead of the Second Session of the Twelfth Synod of the Diocese, scheduled to take place on April 26 and 27, 2025, at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Aiyetoro, Ile-Ife.

Akinlade passionately stated that the return of these institutions is long overdue and emphasized that the physical condition of many of the schools has deteriorated beyond acceptable standards. According to him, years of governmental oversight have led to abandonment and visible structural decay, making it increasingly difficult for students to learn in a safe and conducive environment.

“Honestly, I am appealing to the Osun State Government, because it is in their hands, to please release this school back to us so that we can develop the place and put in a very conducive learning environment in that space. In any case, it belongs to us,” he said.

The Bishop noted that this request is not new. He revealed that he had been making this appeal since the tenure of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, but unfortunately, his pleas have fallen on deaf ears. He pointed to a specific case where the roof of a government-retained mission school has caved in, yet students are still being taught in the hazardous facility. “It’s an eyesore,” he said with clear frustration.

Drawing inspiration from federal precedence, Akinlade cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s actions as Governor of Lagos State, during which he approved the return of several mission schools to their original church and Islamic proprietors. He urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to adopt a similar approach.

“If you took it away from us and you can’t do anything with it, can you please give it back to us? That’s all I’m going to say on that,” he added.

Bishop Akinlade went further to question why the state is holding on to properties that were historically established by the church. He specifically mentioned Anglican Grammar School, Ile-Ife, and expressed dismay over the government’s refusal to return it and several other mission-founded institutions.

“There are other schools that we should ask for, for instance, Anglican Grammar School, Ile-Ife. Why is the government holding on to it? It’s our property. They should also give us that school and some other schools we founded,” he emphasized.

He recalled that his predecessor, Bishop Oluranti Odubogun, had also made similar calls during his tenure, yet the response from the government remained silent and inactive.

The synod theme, “The Essential Secrets in a Noisy World: Lessons from Matthew 6:1-18”, was revealed during the press conference, with Bishop Akinlade stressing its relevance in today’s spiritually and morally chaotic society.

Providing an update on the Diocese’s contribution to education, Bishop Akinlade highlighted the establishment and growth of Divine Royal College, a coeducational secondary school founded by the diocese a decade ago.

“Divine Royal College is a secondary school established by this diocese 10 years ago. It started just before I came to the Diocese of Ife. And it has been my job to try and make sure the school survives,” he said.

According to him, the school runs a conventional curriculum and offers affordable fees ranging between N25,000 to N30,000 per term. It is open to all students regardless of religious background, and the diocese has awarded 50 scholarships to deserving students from low-income families.

He revealed the school currently operates two buses to transport students, a service which has become increasingly expensive due to the spike in fuel prices and general economic hardship. In response, the Diocese now subsidizes over 75% of the total transportation cost, ensuring that no child is left behind because of logistical challenges.

In terms of academic growth, the Diocese is actively working toward meeting all requirements set by WAEC and NECO for the school to become a recognized center for external examinations.

“We are building it up on scholarship. The diocese has provided 50 scholarships for students who may want to go to college… Right now, we’re charging about N25,000 to N30,000 per term. Because of fuel prices and everything, it’s going to be almost impossible for them to pay full transportation fees, so the diocese is subsidising it heavily,” he explained.

The Bishop concluded the briefing by reiterating the Church’s unwavering commitment to providing value-driven, morally upright, and affordable education, and urged the Osun State Government to partner with religious organizations rather than sideline them, especially in matters as critical as youth education and the restoration of decaying school infrastructure.

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