The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed alarm about the extended closures of schools in Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states during Ramadan. The association describes the ruling as a violation of students’ constitutional rights and damaging to educational growth.
The closure, scheduled to run five weeks from late February to early April 2025, will affect all public and private educational institutions at all levels: nursery, primary, secondary, and university.
In a statement, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh criticized the decision-making process for lacking inclusivity, emphasizing how the closures disproportionately affect non-Muslim pupils.
He stated that education is a fundamental right and urged the governors of the affected states to amend the policy to promote equity and national unity.
CAN voiced concern that the extended holiday will disrupt academic schedules and weaken efforts to offer quality education for everyone.
The association stated that this closure could compound the region’s troubling out-of-school rates, which already stand at 44%, substantially higher than the national average.
The organization identified insufficient consultation with key stakeholders, including Christian leaders, parents, and educators, as a severe oversight in governance.
CAN observed that nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates keep schools open throughout Ramadan with modified schedules, and pushed for a similar approach in Nigeria’s northern states to reduce educational disruptions.
While urging residents to remain calm and nonviolent, CAN stated that if students’ rights are violated further, it will take legal measures, including restraining orders.
The organization encouraged Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dikko Umar Radda (Katsina), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), and Nasir Idris (Kebbi) to hold a constructive discourse with religious groups, school owners, parents, and civil society to reconsider the closures.
CAN emphasized the need of transparency and collaborative solutions in ensuring the well-being of all individuals, regardless of faith affiliation.
Archbishop Okoh stated, “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is profoundly concerned by the state governments’ decrees demanding the widespread shutdown of all schools for Ramadan. Education is a fundamental right and necessary for growth, and this shutdown jeopardizes the academic careers of millions of children.
“With out-of-school rates in these states already at frightening levels, this decision jeopardizes our children’s future. The lack of meaningful interaction with CAN leadership in these states raises serious questions about inclusive governance.
“Nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE keep schools open during Ramadan, altering schedules to suit both education and religious observance.
“We ask Governors Bala Mohammed, Dikko Umar Radda, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Nasir Idris to consult with all key stakeholders to develop a balanced and inclusive solution.
“If our rights are further challenged or conversations fail to produce justice, CAN will not hesitate to pursue legal action to safeguard the constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience.
“We call on residents, Christians, Muslims, and all of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi to maintain peace as we work towards a resolution,” he told journalists.
