The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the action of state governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi to close schools for five weeks during the ongoing 2025 Ramadan fasting. According to the association, the school closure is a violation of students’ constitutional rights and a serious setback to regional educational advancement. While students in other states are continuing their Education activities, these states’ governments have halted their own 2024–2025 academic year for Ramadan, which took effect on the 1st of March and is expected to last until the 5th of April.
Although the states’ authorities claim that the shutdown is required to allow students to spend the holy month of Ramadan without the burden of academic responsibilities, CAN has cautioned that the move disproportionately impacts non-Muslim students and jeopardizes efforts to provide high-quality education for all. Archbishop Daniel Okoh, president of CAN, voiced deep worries about the action, highlighting that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees education as a fundamental right. He contended that the extended closure will exacerbate the already dire situation of education in the northern region, where school attendance rates are among the lowest in the nation.
School closure could worsen the northern education system.
Northern Nigeria has one of the highest rates of out-of-school children globally, with an average of 44 percent of children not attending school, which is much higher than the national average of 18%, according to reports. The shutdown could force even more children out of school, thereby increasing the educational performance gap between northern and southern states. Archbishop Okoh referenced that even other predominantly Muslim countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, do not close schools entirely during Ramadan. Rather, they implement more accommodating schedules that enable students to fulfill their religious commitments while still pursuing their studies.
He maintained that there is no justifiable reason to completely stop academic activities, when more inclusive alternatives are available. The president of CAN also denounced the decision’s lack of prior consultation with Christian leaders, parents, and educators, among other stakeholders. He described the move as a lapse in inclusive governance and called on the governors of the impacted states—Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina, Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano, and Nasir Idris of Kebbi—to hold discussions with parents, Civil Society organizations, school owners, and religious organizations in order to reevaluate the policy.
Advocating for inclusive education policy reforms.
In order to defend students’ constitutional rights, the association has threatened to take legal action if the school closures continue. The CAN president emphasized that all children deserve uninterrupted access to high-quality education, regardless of their religious background. He also called on state leaders to prioritize everyone’s well being and implement policies that support equality of opportunity and social cohesiveness. Archbishop Okoh further urged Nigerians to build a society where faith and progress coexist harmoniously.
Archbishop Okoh stressed the importance of cooperation and respect for one another in resolving the situation and urged citizens of the impacted states to maintain composure and Peace while it is being handled. In his statement, he noted that “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) views with grave concern the directives from the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi States mandating the closure of all schools—public and private—for up to five weeks to observe Ramadan. These states already face alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44%, far exceeding the national average. It is unacceptable to compromise children’s education for such an extended period without exploring more inclusive alternatives.”
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His statement underscored the importance of upholding the constitutional rights of every Nigerian child, regardless of religious background, and called on the federal government to intervene in the matter. CAN reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policies that promote equal access to education and foster national development. As the debate unfolds, the association’s position highlights the broader struggle for educational equity in Nigeria, particularly in regions where religious and cultural practices often intersect with public policy.