St. Philomena’s College of Nursing: A Rebuttal to Senator Oshiomhole’s Claims of Government Ownership
Benin City, Edo State – A recent statement by Senator Adams Oshiomhole regarding the ownership and funding of the College of Nursing Sciences at St. Philomena Catholic Hospital has sparked controversy and prompted a strong rebuttal from the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City. The Senator, during a live broadcast on Arise News on July 26, 2025, asserted that the college was “built, equipped, owned, and funded by the Edo State Government one hundred percent.” This claim has been categorically denied by the Archdiocese, which maintains that the institution, along with St. Philomena Catholic Hospital, is wholly owned and operated by the Church. The controversy arose following a recent donation of ₦15,000,000 by Mr. Peter Obi, a political figure, towards the development of the college, a gesture Senator Oshiomhole seemingly sought to downplay.
The Archdiocese, through its Director of Social Communications and Press, Rev. Fr. Jude Orah, has forcefully refuted Senator Oshiomhole’s assertions, labeling them as “entirely false” and a form of “political revisionism.” Fr. Orah emphasized that St. Philomena Catholic Hospital, established in 1947, and its affiliated educational institutions, including the School of Midwifery and the College of Nursing Sciences, have always been under the ownership and management of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City. The Archdiocese maintains that the institutions have been built, equipped, and funded through the contributions of the Church, donations from benefactors like Mr. Obi, and modest service charges. The Archdiocese unequivocally states that it does not receive any government subvention or budgetary allocation, contrary to Senator Oshiomhole’s claims.
The Archdiocese further highlighted the Church’s long-standing commitment to healthcare and education as a core element of its mission, grounded in its canonical, theological, and moral obligations. Fr. Orah emphasized that the Church’s involvement in healthcare is not driven by political or opportunistic motives but rather by a deep-rooted commitment to serving the community, particularly the poor and vulnerable. St. Philomena Catholic Hospital, since its inception, has provided healthcare services without discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation, a testament to the Church’s dedication to serving all members of society.
The Archdiocese’s rebuttal casts a shadow over Senator Oshiomhole’s claims, raising questions about the political motivations behind his statements. The timing of the Senator’s remarks, immediately following Mr. Obi’s donation, suggests a potential attempt to diminish the impact of the contribution and cast doubt on the institution’s independence. This incident highlights the potential for political rhetoric to distort facts and undermine the integrity of institutions dedicated to serving the public. The Archdiocese’s firm response serves as a call for greater accountability and accuracy in public discourse, particularly when it concerns institutions providing essential services to the community.
The controversy surrounding the College of Nursing Sciences at St. Philomena Catholic Hospital underscores the importance of transparency and accurate reporting, especially in matters concerning public health and education. The Archdiocese’s detailed rebuttal provides a clear counter-narrative to Senator Oshiomhole’s claims, urging the public to critically examine the information presented and demand accountability from public figures. The incident also serves as a reminder of the critical role played by faith-based institutions in providing essential services, often filling gaps where government support is lacking.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City has called for an end to the politicization of healthcare and education, emphasizing the importance of these sectors as essential pillars of a thriving society. The Church’s unwavering commitment to serving the community, regardless of political affiliation, serves as a stark contrast to the potentially divisive rhetoric employed by some political figures. This incident serves as a timely reminder of the need for accurate and responsible reporting, particularly in matters concerning public welfare, and underscores the vital role played by institutions like St. Philomena Catholic Hospital in providing essential services to the community.