Awka — ANAMBRA State government has returned 18 secondary schools originally built by Churches to them as part of the state government's determination to strengthen its partnership with non-governmental organizations.

Governor Peter Obi, in a broadcast to the people of the state yesterday, named the schools as Denis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, Girls Secondary School, Onitsha, Christ the King College, Onitsha, Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, Mater Amabilies Secondary School, Umuoji, Girls Secondary School, Umudioka and St. Peter's Secondary School, Achina.

Others are All Saints Secondary School, Umunze, Maria Regina Model Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Nnewi, Girls Secondary School, Ozubulu, Girls Secondary School, Nnewi, Boys Secondary School, Oraifite, Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia, Girls Secondary School, Awka, St. John of God Secondary School, Awka, St. Mary's High School, Ifite Dunu, St. Michael's Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nimo and Loretto Special Science School, Adazi.

The governor explained that the hand over of the schools was strictly for the purposes of management by the churches, adding that government would continue to fund the affected schools.

The hand over of the schools has brought to an end the long agitation by the Churches.