The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have strongly condemned the decision by the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to shut down schools for five weeks during Ramadan, calling it a violation of students’ rights and a threat to educational progress.
The closures, scheduled from late February to early April 2025, affect all public and private schools, including nursery, primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. NANS and CAN argue that the directive discriminates against non-Muslim students, disrupts academic schedules, and worsens Nigeria’s already alarming education crisis, especially in states where out-of-school rates stand at 44%.
In a statement on Monday, NANS National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, described the policy as unjust and a direct infringement on students’ fundamental right to uninterrupted education. He stressed that it sets a dangerous precedent in Nigeria’s education sector and urged immediate reversal.
“NANS stands firm in advocating for the right to education for all Nigerian students, regardless of their religious affiliations. Closing schools for an extended period during Ramadan undermines academic progress, disrupts learning, and unfairly targets non-Muslim students,” Adeyemi stated.
He further warned that if the policy is not overturned within 72 hours, NANS would mobilize nationwide protests and pursue legal action to protect students’ rights. He called on parents, educators, and civil society organizations to support the cause and ensure that education remains a priority over religious observances.
CAN echoed these concerns, emphasizing that education is a fundamental right that should not be compromised. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, criticized the lack of inclusivity in the decision-making process, arguing that religious considerations should not override students’ rights.
“The closure disrupts academic schedules and threatens the advancement of millions of students. These states already face alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44%, far exceeding the national average,” Okoh stated.
He also pointed out that globally, even in predominantly Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, schools remain open during Ramadan, with adjusted schedules rather than outright closures. CAN urged the affected governors—Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dikko Umar Radda (Katsina), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), and Nasir Idris (Kebbi)—to reconsider their decision and engage in dialogue with key stakeholders, including religious leaders, school owners, and parents, to find a more inclusive solution.
The Christian body warned that it would seek legal redress if students’ rights continued to be undermined. “Should these rights face further jeopardy or dialogue fail to deliver justice, CAN is prepared to seek legal recourse to safeguard the constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience,” Okoh stated.
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