- CAN threatens legal action
- NAPTAN, AFED, ERC enjoin governors to reverse the decision
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a stern warning to the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states, demanding the reversal of their directives to close schools for five weeks during the Ramadan fast. Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria, described the move as discriminatory, and a violation of the rights of non-Muslim students. In a statement issued recently in Abuja, Okoh criticised the policy, highlighting its potential to exacerbate the already dire educational crisis in the affected states.
These states account for a staggering 44% of Nigeria’s out-of-school children, with Bauchi, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kano recording outof-school rates of 54%, 45%, 38%, and 35%, respectively. “Education is a fundamental right and the bedrock of progress,” Okoh stated. “The closure of schools across these states, ranging from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period disrupts academic schedules and threatens the educational advancement of millions of students.” CAN argued that the decision was made without consulting relevant stakeholders and that it undermines national unity.
The association pointed out that even Islamic-majority countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates do not shut down schools entirely during Ramadan, instead adopting flexible schedules to balance religious observance with education. The Christian body called on the governors of the affected states to engage in constructive dialogue with stakeholders to resolve the issue. CAN emphasised that it may pursue legal action if the directives are not rescinded, as they threaten the constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience. CAN enjoined residents in the affected states to remain calm, calling for unity and cooperation in addressing the situation.
“We must work together to build a society where faith and progress harmonise, where no child’s education is compromised, and where every community feels valued.” In similar vein, the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), and the Education Rights Campaign (ERC) have also called on the governors to reverse the decision. According to Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, National President of NAPTAN, the closure of schools will disrupt the academic calendar and affect students preparing for external examinations, such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Danjuma argued that the decision is not only counterproductive, but also discriminatory, as not all students and teachers are Muslims. He questioned the governors’ decision, asking, “What happens to children that are Christians?” and “What will the children do at home for five weeks?” Honourable Orji Emmanuel, the AFED President, also expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, citing the 1999 Constitution, which puts education on the concurrent list, giving governors significant control over educational policies ¹.
The stakeholders’ concerns are valid, considering the potential impact of the school closures on students’ academic performance and overall education. With the ongoing Ramadan fasting period expected to end around March 30, 2025, the governors’ decision may have far-reaching consequences for the educational sector in Nigeria.
