 has voiced strong opposition to the decision by governors in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, and Kebbi states to close schools for five weeks during Ramadan.){kind=link}
Condemn
By Philomina Attah
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has voiced strong opposition to the decision by governors in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, and Kebbi states to close schools for five weeks during Ramadan.
In a statement jointly signed by CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and the Secretary Bishop Donatus Ogun, the bishops argued that the move undermines Nigeria’s secular constitution.
According to CBCN, the move will further disrupt education and exacerbate the already dire issue of out-of-school children in the region.
Highlighting Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits adopting any religion as state policy, the bishops explained that such closures violate the principles of equality and secular governance.
They also cited international human rights laws guaranteeing education as a fundamental right.
The CBCN expressed concern over the impact on students preparing for critical exams and warned that this decision could worsen Nigeria’s status as the country with the highest number of out-of-school children globally.
They urged state governors to reconsider and adopt inclusive policies that respect religious diversity while prioritising education.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also criticised the closures, noting that even Islamic nations like Saudi Arabia keep schools open during Ramadan with adjusted schedules.
Both groups called for dialogue and equitable solutions to avoid deepening educational and social divides. (NAN)