The Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Ogun State Area Unit, has strongly opposed a reported plan by the Ogun State Government to return public schools to their original missionary owners, describing the move as detrimental to educational equity and social cohesion.

In a statement signed by its state leadership, the group said it received with 'profound alar' remarks attributed to Governor Dapo Abiodun during a meeting on April 10 with Catholic Church representatives, including the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria and bishops from Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta.

According to MSSN, the governor indicated that missionary schools in the state would be handed back to their original proprietors.

The student body argued that such a policy would undermine the rights and welfare of Muslim students and disrupt the longstanding tradition of inter-religious coexistence in Ogun State.

It called on the governor to reconsider the position in the interest of inclusivity, unity, and educational development.

MSSN questioned the characterization of the proposed arrangement as a 'partnership,' asserting that it amounts to the transfer of publicly funded institutions to private religious control without shared accountability.

The group maintained that public schools have been sustained over decades through government funding and taxpayer contributions.

The statement further alleged that similar policies in other parts of Nigeria have led to restricted access, increased fees, and concerns about denominational bias in school administration and admissions.

The society also raised constitutional concerns, arguing that the state government lacks unilateral authority to transfer public educational assets without legislative backing or a clearly defined transition framework.

It referenced Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates government responsibility for providing accessible public education.

According to MSSN, many of the affected schools have benefited from sustained public investment since their takeover by the state decades ago, including infrastructure development and staffing through the civil service.

The group warned that a transition to missionary control could create uncertainty for students, particularly those in examination classes, and disrupt academic records and administrative processes. 

It also expressed fears that students of other faiths might face challenges in maintaining religious neutrality in such institutions.

On the workforce side, MSSN highlighted concerns about the fate of teachers currently employed by the state government.

It noted that many are civil servants with established career structures and pension rights, which could be affected if schools are transferred to non-state entities.

MSSN urged broader consultation with stakeholders, including religious leaders, civil society organizations, and education sector unions, before any policy decision is implemented.