The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate the return of mission schools to their original proprietors, describing the request as one of its major expectations from the Federal Government in its continued engagement with the Church.
The bishops made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where they also raised concerns over worsening insecurity, the shrinking political space, economic hardship, religious freedom and preparations for the 2027 general elections. Blueprint reports
Speaking on behalf of the conference, its President and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man Oso Ndagoso, reminded President Tinubu that the issue of returning mission schools had been presented during an earlier meeting and expressed hope that the administration would give it favourable consideration.
“We respectfully place two specific requests before Your Excellency. First, we ask that Your Excellency give favourable consideration to the request on the return of mission schools to their original proprietors. We recall that this matter was raised during our meeting with you last year, and we remain hopeful that your government will take the necessary steps towards its implementation,” the Archbishop said.
Church seeks action on religious freedom
Beyond the issue of mission schools, the bishops also called on the Federal Government to ensure that the constitutional right to freedom of religion is fully implemented across the federation.
The conference specifically appealed to the President to direct relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to guarantee equal treatment for all religious groups, particularly with regard to the acquisition of land for places of worship.
The bishops noted that while the Supreme Court had affirmed the constitutional rights of Muslim students at Rivers State University to freely practise their faith, Christians in some parts of northern Nigeria still encounter challenges in obtaining land for church buildings and freely exercising their right to worship.
According to the conference, equal citizenship must not only exist in the Constitution but should also be reflected in government policies and actions.
Bishops raise insecurity concerns
The Catholic bishops also used the meeting to express deep concern over the country’s worsening security situation, saying terrorism, banditry and kidnapping continue to threaten the lives of millions of Nigerians.
While commending the Federal Government for the recent rescue of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and the arrest of some suspects, the conference described such successes as isolated when compared to the scale of insecurity across the country.
Archbishop Ndagoso said communities across Nigeria still live under constant fear as attacks on schools, churches, homes, farms and highways persist.
He urged the President to intensify efforts to restore security, insisting that no meaningful national development could take place in an atmosphere of fear and violence.
Concern over democracy, 2027 elections
On the nation’s political environment, the bishops appealed to President Tinubu to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensure a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The conference said growing concerns about the shrinking political space and fears of a one party state should not be ignored.
Archbishop Ndagoso urged the President, as a former opposition figure who played a prominent role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, to preserve democratic values by ensuring fairness, respect for the rule of law and credible electoral processes.
The bishops also called for adequate funding of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and easier access to Permanent Voter Cards for eligible Nigerians, warning that elections perceived as lacking credibility could undermine national stability.
CBCN commends NELFund
The conference acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts to improve access to higher education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), describing the initiative as a positive intervention for Nigerian students.
However, the bishops observed that the country’s universities remain insufficient to accommodate the growing number of admission seekers and urged government to expand access to tertiary education.
They also expressed concern over the National Universities Commission’s moratorium on the establishment of new private universities, saying such a policy could limit opportunities for qualified candidates.
Economic hardship worries bishops
The Catholic bishops further lamented the economic hardship facing Nigerians, noting that many citizens were yet to experience the expected benefits of ongoing economic reforms.
They pointed to persistent inflation, poor electricity supply, inadequate infrastructure and the deteriorating condition of roads as challenges affecting the quality of life.
While acknowledging President Tinubu’s assurances that he understands the suffering of Nigerians, Archbishop Ndagoso stressed that citizens were looking forward to concrete improvements rather than promises.
“Our nation is bleeding. The citizens are suffering and crying,” he said, urging the administration to implement measures capable of easing the burden on ordinary Nigerians.
Pope Leo XIV invited to Nigeria
The bishops also revealed that Pope Leo XIV has expressed a strong desire to visit Nigeria following discussions held with the Catholic Pontiff earlier this year.
They appealed to President Tinubu to formally invite the Pope, expressing optimism that such a visit would strengthen national unity, promote peace and encourage renewed hope among Nigerians.
According to Archbishop Ndagoso, the Pope holds Nigeria close to his heart and continues to pray for the country.
Commitment to nation building
Earlier in his remarks, Archbishop Ndagoso congratulated President Tinubu on the cordial diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the Holy See, particularly following the recent visit of Archbishop Paul Gallagher to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between both states.
He reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to partnering with government in promoting justice, peace and national development, assuring the President of the conference’s continued prayers for wisdom and success in leading the country.
The bishops maintained that while they would continue to support efforts aimed at building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, the Federal Government must also respond decisively to issues affecting the welfare, security and constitutional rights of all Nigerians.