National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed strong objections to the recent directives by the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to close all public and private schools for up to five weeks to observe the Ramadan fast.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, argued that these decisions raise serious issues of equity, educational continuity, and the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Okoh emphasized that education is a fundamental right and the bedrock of progress, and that the prolonged closure of schools will disrupt academic schedules and threaten the educational advancement of millions of students.
He also pointed out that the states that issued the directives already face alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44 percent, far exceeding the national average.
The CAN president criticized the lack of broad consultation prior to the directives, stating that the CAN leadership in those states was not adequately engaged, despite claims of stakeholder involvement.
. He emphasized the need for transparent, inclusive dialogue with parents, educators, religious leaders, and school proprietors to address the concerns of diverse populations.
Okoh also drew attention to the fact that countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where Islam is central and Ramadan is deeply revered, do not shut down schools for the entire fasting period.
Instead, they adapt schedules to balance education with religious practice.
In response to the directives, CAN has urged the governors of the affected states to reconsider their policies and pursue inclusive solutions.
. Okoh stated that CAN is prepared to seek legal recourse if necessary, to safeguard the constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience.
The controversy surrounding the Ramadan school closures has sparked concerns about the potential impact on education and social cohesion in Nigeria’s northern states.
