The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for caution after some northern states in Nigeria directed all schools, including privately owned institutions, to suspend educational activities for five weeks to mark this year’s Ramadan.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Sunday, noted that northern Nigeria already has a high rate of out-of-school children, and this decision could further worsen the situation.
While acknowledging the country’s religious diversity and the need for people to practice their faith freely, CAN stated that such decisions raise concerns about equality, educational continuity, and the welfare of citizens.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) views with grave concern the directives by the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi States mandating the closure of all schools—public and private—for up to five weeks to observe the Ramadan fast, effective from late February to early April 2025.
“While we honor the religious diversity of our nation and recognize the significance of faith, these decisions raise serious issues of equity, educational continuity, and the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
“Education is a fundamental right and the bedrock of progress. 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.
“These states—Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi—already face alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44% according to recent data, far exceeding the national average. Such prolonged breaks risk deepening this crisis, undermining efforts to ensure access to quality education for all.
“Moreover, the apparent lack of broad consultation in Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi prior to these directives is troubling. CAN leadership in these states has not been adequately engaged, despite claims of stakeholder involvement.
“Policies impacting diverse populations—Muslims, Christians, and others—demand transparent, inclusive dialogue with parents, educators, religious leaders, and school proprietors.
“The absence of such engagement erodes trust and unity in our pluralistic society.
“Globally, nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—where Islam is central and Ramadan deeply revered—do not shut down schools for the entire fasting period. Instead, they adapt schedules, shortening hours or offering flexibility, to balance education with religious practice.
“If these Islamic heartlands can maintain this equilibrium, Nigeria’s northern states should strive for similar pragmatism. A month-long closure, or five weeks in Bauchi’s case, is excessive and departs from sensible precedent.
“We call on the people of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi—Christians, Muslims, and all residents—to remain calm and peaceful as we address this matter.
“CAN is dedicated to promoting harmony across faiths, and we urge our members and the public to avoid actions that could heighten tensions.
“Yet, we cannot overlook the potential violation of the rights of students and families who do not observe Ramadan, nor the dangerous signal this sends for equitable governance.
“We therefore request that Governors Bala Mohammed, Dikko Umar Radda, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Nasir Idris open channels of dialogue with key stakeholders—religious bodies, school owners, parents, and civil society—to reassess these directives and pursue inclusive solutions.
“Transparency is essential, and we expect these governments to act in good faith by promptly engaging all parties. The education of our children and the unity of our states are at stake.
“Should these rights face further jeopardy or dialogue fail to deliver justice, CAN is prepared to seek legal recourse.
“We will pursue restraining orders through the courts to safeguard the constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience. Our pursuit of peace does not diminish our commitment to justice.
“Let us unite as Nigerians to forge a society where faith and progress harmonize, where no child’s education is compromised, and where every community is valued. We urge the governors to reconsider these policies in the spirit of fairness and national cohesion,” the statement reads.
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