Lagos, NIGERIA, August 5, 2008 (CISA) -The Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Francis Alonge, has attributed the fall in the standard of education in the country to the take-over of missionary schools by the government.
Bishop Alonge lamented that the take-over of the schools had "wiped out completely the teaching of morals which the Church is known for," the Vanguard newspaper reported.
Addressing newsmen on the 45th anniversary of his priestly, the clergyman described the take-over as "the first major blow to the educational sector in this country."
He added that the return of the schools to their original owners should be accompanied with financial assistance because of the conditions of the schools in terms of manpower and infrastructure.
To restore the standard of education of the country, according to him, would also involve a return of moral standards set by the missionaries.
Bishop Alonge dismissed fears being expressed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over the clamour for the return of missionary schools.
The bishop commended the state government for supporting the Don Bosco Technical Schools with an annual grant of N9 million.
The highlight of his anniversary included a lecture delivered by the former Secretary of the Church, Fr Hassan Kukah with the title "God and Caesar; Divorce or Annulment? The Church and the Challenges of Social Engagements."