The Ekiti State Government on Monday, September 16, 2019 returned Christ’s School, Ado- Ekiti, to its original owner- the Anglican Communion, in fulfilment of the government’s pledge to return all mission schools to their original owners.
Governor Fayemi, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on returning the school to the Anglican Communion, said the handing over of Christ’s School would provide a template for subsequent release of other schools whose missionary-owners have indicated interest in having them back.
The brief ceremony which took place at the Governor’s Office, was witnessed by the Bishop of Anglican Communion, Ekiti Diocese, Christopher Omotunde, some leaders of the church and representatives of the alumni association of the 86 years old school.
Fayemi stated that the return of mission schools would help in building a future generation of values-driven and morally sound individuals as well as assist in reducing government’s financial burden, especially at a time when government’s purse is lean.
He also said his government is committed to engaging positively with missions that desire to take over their schools, expressing optimism that the returned schools would assist the present administration in achieving “its policy thrust of reclaiming our land and restoring our values as Ekitis”.
“What we are witnessing today is a culmination of a process which began during our first term in office to return schools belonging to Mission bodies to their original owners, and I am delighted that the final consummation of the release of Christ’s School has been achieved. Ours will not be the first time such a consummation will take place between governments and missionary bodies, other states like Anambra, Lagos and Enugu had done similarly in the past,” he said.
In his remarks, the Bishop of Ekiti Anglican Diocese, Christopher Omotunde said the initiative was in the right direction. He commended Fayemi for making good his promise to return mission schools to original owners.
“You initiated the idea of returning mission schools to their original owners during your first term in office. We are happy that you are here today fulfilling that promise with the return of Christ’s School to the Anglican Church.”
Bishop Omotunde, who said Christ’s School had always been a model across the country, promised that the mission would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the school returns to its pride of place in Nigeria.
The bishop and Mr Odunayo Fagbeyiro, who represented Christ’s School Alumni, signed the MoU on behalf of the Anglican Communion, while the Secretary to the State Government, Biodun Oyebanji, and the State Attorney General, Wale Fapohunda, signed on behalf of the state government.
