The Christian Association of Nigeria has called out some northern state governments for shutting down schools during Ramadan period.
Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi have directed that all schools should be closed during Ramadan.
According to CAN, such decisions raise serious issues of equity, educational continuity, and the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
CAN stated that the closures would discourage education in a region already grappling with high rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44 per cent, undermining equity in governance.
“The closure of schools across these northern states, ranging from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period will disrupt academic schedules and threaten the educational advancement of millions of students.
“These states are already facing alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44 per cent 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,” CAN said.
The association further shared global examples, as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where schools remained open with adjusted schedules during Ramadan.
CAN warned that if inclusive solutions were not reached, it may pursue legal action to protect the students’ constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience.
It, therefore, called for calm and peaceful engagement in the development, adding that fairness and national cohesion were critical.
(NAN)
