The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Sunday, March 2,2025 vehemently opposed the closure of schools in some Northern States to for this year’s Ramadan fasting.
The Source reports that Bauchi, Katsina and Kebbi States, have all announced the closure of both public and private schools for the next five weeks in deference to the observation of the Holy month of Ramadan .
But in a statement issued by its National President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Sunday, CAN expressed serious concern over the unprecedented development.
The umbrella body of Christians in the country described the directive as representing a serious threat to educational continuity, equity and national unity.
According to CAN, education being the bedrock of progress is bound to suffer a severe disruption in the face of the closure directives.
The body noted that the prolonged closure, apart from negatively affecting academic calendar, has the huge potentials to compound the already dire situation of out-of-school children in the affected States.
“Bauchi, Katsina, Kano and Kebbi already face alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44% far above the national average.
“Closing schools for an extended period will only deepen this crisis and undermine efforts to ensure quality education for all”, CAN stated.
Besides, the Christian body decried the failure of the authorities to consult widely, especially with some relevant stakeholders, before taking such a far reaching decision.
“Policies affecting diverse populations, such as Muslims, Christians and others must be the result of inclusive dialogue.
“Unfortunately, that has not happened and such unilateral decisions erode trust and unity in our pluralistic society”, CAN noted.
According to CAN, Islamic majority countries ,like Saudi Arabia ,United Arab Emirates, UAE, and others have never attempted to impose a blanket closure of schools during the Holy month.
These countries, CAN noted ,rather tend to implement a flexible learning arrangement during the period.
“If Islamic heartlands can maintain a balance between education and religious observance, Nigeria’s Northern States should follow suit.
“A five-week closure is excessive and lacks global precedent”, the statement further noted.
Consequently, CAN called on all the affected State Governors to engage religious bodies, school owners, parents, civil society groups and other relevant stakeholders with a view to reconsidering the school closure directives in the interest of national unity.
However, in the event the affected States remain adamant, CAN said it may be forced to explore legal options.
“Should these rights continue to be in jeopardy, we are prepared to seek restraining orders from the Courts to protect the constitutional rights to education and freedom o conscience.” CAN warned.
The umbrella body of Christians ,however, urged faithful in all the affected states to remain calm and peaceful, promising to continue to fight for fairness and equity for all religious faith in the country.
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