The National Association of Nigerian Students has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states, demanding the reversal of their decision to close schools for five weeks during the Ramadan fasting period.
The student body warned that failure to comply would lead to nationwide protests.
In a statement on Monday, NANS National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, strongly criticized the directive, calling it an infringement on students’ rights to uninterrupted education.
“This policy is not only unjust but also a blatant infringement on the fundamental rights of students to receive uninterrupted education,” Adeyemi said.
He argued that the school closures would disrupt academic progress and unfairly discriminate against non-Muslim students.
“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 the academic progress of students, disrupts their learning, and unfairly targets non-Muslim students, subjecting them to undue discrimination,” he added.
Adeyemi further stressed that the decision contradicts both the Nigerian Constitution and international agreements that uphold education as a fundamental right.
“The decision to close schools during Ramadan violates these principles and sets a dangerous precedent that prioritizes religious observances over the educational rights of students,” he stated.
NANS urged key stakeholders, including parents, educators, and civil society organizations, to join in advocating for the reversal of the policy.
“We must work together to prevent any form of discrimination and uphold the principles of equality and justice,” Adeyemi emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria has also rejected the school closures, threatening legal action if the decision is not reversed.
CAN President, Daniel Okoh, described the move as discriminatory and warned that it could worsen the educational crisis in the affected states.
“This decision is not only a violation of the rights of non-Muslim students but also a setback for education in states that already account for 44 percent of Nigeria’s out-of-school children,” Okoh said.
