The Christian Association of Nigeria has strongly opposed the decision by Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi state governments to shut down schools for five weeks during the Ramadan fast, describing the move as discriminatory and a violation of students’ rights.
CAN President, Daniel Okoh, issued a statement on Sunday in Abuja, calling for an immediate reversal of the directive and warning that legal action could follow if the decision is not overturned.
“This policy disrupts academic activities and threatens the educational progress of millions of students,” Okoh said. “Education is a fundamental right and the foundation of national development. Closing schools for such an extended period will only worsen the already alarming out-of-school children crisis in these states.”
He criticized the lack of consultation with key stakeholders, including Christian leaders, educators, and parents, before implementing the directive.
“For policies affecting people of different religious backgrounds, inclusive dialogue is crucial,” he stated. “Decisions like these, made without proper engagement, only breed distrust and division in our diverse society.”
Okoh pointed to examples from predominantly Islamic nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which continue academic activities during Ramadan while making necessary adjustments.
“In countries where Islam is deeply rooted, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, schools remain open. They modify schedules rather than impose a blanket closure. A five-week school shutdown, as seen in Bauchi, is unnecessary and unprecedented,” he argued.
The Christian body urged the governors of the affected states—Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dikko Umar Radda (Katsina), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), and Nasir Idris (Kebbi)—to engage in meaningful discussions to address concerns.
“Governance must be transparent, and we urge these state governments to act in good faith by engaging all affected parties,” Okoh added. “The education of our children and the unity of our country should not be jeopardized. If constructive dialogue fails to resolve this issue, we are prepared to seek legal redress.”
CAN also appealed for calm among residents, emphasizing the need for cooperation in ensuring that no child’s education is unfairly affected.
“We must work together as Nigerians to create a society where religious freedom and educational progress go hand in hand,” Okoh concluded.
