CAN Threatens Legal Action Against Northern Governors Over Unileteral Ramadan Closure Of School
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has lampooned Northern Governors for directing a mandatory five weeks closure of schools over the Ramadan fast as well as threatening legal actions against the governments of Katsina, Bauchi, Kano and Kebbi over the development.
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has lampooned Northern Governors for directing a mandatory five weeks closure of schools over the Ramadan fast as well as threatening legal actions against the governments of Katsina, Bauchi, Kano and Kebbi over the development.
CAN described the forceful closure of schools by the northern state governments as not only retrogressive but discriminatory and a violation of the rights of non-Muslim students, warning it would initiate legal action if the orders were not rescinded.
The condemnation and treats were contained in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, by the CAN President, Daniel Okoh.
The condemnation and treats were contained in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, by the CAN President, Daniel Okoh.
Okoh criticized the policy, pointing out that it would exacerbate the already dire educational crisis in the affected states, which account for 44% of Nigeria’s out-of-school children.
Okoh's words, “Education is a fundamental right and the bedrock of progress.
“The closure of schools across these states, ranging from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period disrupts academic schedules and threatens the educational advancement of millions of students.
“Policies impacting diverse populations—Muslims, Christians, and others—demand transparent, inclusive dialogue with parents, educators, religious leaders, and school proprietors. The absence of such engagement erodes trust and unity in our pluralistic society.
Okoh's words, “Education is a fundamental right and the bedrock of progress.
“The closure of schools across these states, ranging from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period disrupts academic schedules and threatens the educational advancement of millions of students.
“Policies impacting diverse populations—Muslims, Christians, and others—demand transparent, inclusive dialogue with parents, educators, religious leaders, and school proprietors. The absence of such engagement erodes trust and unity in our pluralistic society.
“Globally, nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—where Islam is central and Ramadan deeply revered—do not shut down schools for the entire fasting period. Instead, they adapt schedules, shortening hours or offering flexibility, to balance education with religious practice. A month-long closure, or five weeks in Bauchi’s case, is excessive and departs from sensible precedent.
“Transparency is essential, and we expect these governments to act in good faith by promptly engaging all parties. The education of our children and the unity of our states are at stake. Should these rights face further jeopardy or dialogue fail to deliver justice, CAN is prepared to seek legal recourse.
“Let us unite as Nigerians to forge a society where faith and progress harmonize, where no child’s education is compromised, and where every community is valued."
The CAN President further condemned the lack of transparency and consultation in the decision-making process, noting that Christian leaders, educators, and parents were not consulted before the schools were unilaterally closed, stressing that even predominantly Islamic nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, had a more balanced approach that ensured both religious observance and uninterrupted education.
It, then, emphasized its commitment to interfaith harmony, insisting that it would not tolerate policies that undermine constitutional rights, and asked Governors Bala Mohammed - Bauchi; Dikko Umar Radda -Katsina; Abba Kabir Yusuf -Kano and Nasir Idris -Kebbi, to initiate constructive dialogue with all relevant stakeholders to resolve the issue.
Furthermore, CAN appealed for calm among residents of the affected states, even as it also, called for unity and cooperation to ensure that no child’s education was compromised.
Furthermore, CAN appealed for calm among residents of the affected states, even as it also, called for unity and cooperation to ensure that no child’s education was compromised.
What's Your Reaction?
