EBONYI STATE: Mission Schools In The State Handed Back to Original Owners by State Government
Governor Nwifuru Reveals Plan to Return Mission Schools, Strengthening Ties with Churches for Quality Education
Mary Nwaeze 
On Sunday, the Ebonyi State Government announced that plans have been established to return all Mission Schools to their original owners by the year's end. Governor Francis Nwifuru shared this information during a pastoral visit by the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Peter Nworie Chukwu, at the Government House Chapel in Centenary City, Abakaliki.
In response to the Bishop's appeal, Governor Nwifuru emphasized the crucial role of the Catholic Church in ensuring quality education in the state. He directed the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, as well as the Attorney General of the State, to promptly initiate the process of returning the Mission Schools to their original owners.
Governor Nwifuru commended the Bishop for blessing the Government House Chapel's congregation and affirmed his commitment to involving churches, including the Catholic Church, in his administration. However, he cautioned against the church getting involved in politics, emphasizing its primary responsibility of preaching salvation.
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Reflecting on his journey from a former bricklayer, conductor, and motorcycle mechanic to the Governor of Ebonyi State in just ten years, Rt. Hon. Nwifuru expressed ambitious plans for education.
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He declared his plans to dispatch 100 graduates, comprising both first-class and second-class (Upper) achievers, to pursue advanced studies abroad.
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The objective is to ensure their eventual return, where they can actively contribute to enhancing the educational system within the state. Furthermore, there is a commitment to sponsoring 300 individuals to pursue Master's degrees within Nigerian higher institutions.
Governor Nwifuru extended the offer to not only the Catholic Church but also to every other church whose schools were previously taken over by the government.
