Catholic Bishops Slam Northern Governors Over School Closures During Ramadan
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, CBCN has criticised the closure of schools by some northern state governors during Ramadan, noting that the action undermines Nigeria’s secularity and the rights of all citizens.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, CBCN has criticised the closure of schools by some northern state governors during Ramadan, noting that the action undermines Nigeria’s secularity and the rights of all citizens.
The CBCN also argued that the extended school closures violate fundamental human rights of students to education.
These were contained in a statement jointly signed by Chairman and Secretary, His Grace, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and Bishop Donatus Ogun, respectively.
These were contained in a statement jointly signed by Chairman and Secretary, His Grace, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and Bishop Donatus Ogun, respectively.
The CBCN expressed concern over the impact of the closures on both Muslim and Christian students, as well as Christian-owned schools, citing Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits the adoption of any religion as a state religion.
They also called on the Federal Government to intervene and ensure the protection of the rights of all Nigerians.
According to the statement, "These directives raise serious questions about the secular nature of Nigeria and the rights of all citizens.
“This provision guarantees the freedom of all citizens to practice their faith without hindrance.
“The closure of schools for an extended period undermines the right to education as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
“This decision will worsen the existing crisis and undermine efforts to improve education outcomes in the region."
They further expressed concern about the potential increase in out-of-school children in northern Nigeria and urged the affected governors to reconsider their decision and explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights of all citizens.
“This provision guarantees the freedom of all citizens to practice their faith without hindrance.
“The closure of schools for an extended period undermines the right to education as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
“This decision will worsen the existing crisis and undermine efforts to improve education outcomes in the region."
They further expressed concern about the potential increase in out-of-school children in northern Nigeria and urged the affected governors to reconsider their decision and explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights of all citizens.
What's Your Reaction?
