Follow Up: CAN Blows Hot, Threatens Legal Action Over School Closures For Ramadan in Northern States, Decries Lack of Broad Consultation Before Issuing Directive

Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA OTN News reports that the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) on Sunday strongly criticized the decision by the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi States to shut down all public and private schools in respect of Ramadan fasting.

OTN News further reports that the association who made this known in a statement issued in Abuja, by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed deep concern over the directive, calling it a significant threat to educational continuity, equity, and national unity.

According to the association, who stressed that education is a fundamental right and the foundation of societal progress, warned that the prolonged school closures would disrupt academic schedules and further worsen the already critical issue of out-of-school children in the affected states.

“Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi already face alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44% far above the national average. Closing schools for an extended period will only deepen this crisis and undermine efforts to ensure quality education for all,” the statement read.

The Christian body also decried the lack of broad consultation before issuing the directive, stressing that CAN leadership in the affected states was not adequately engaged.

It said, “Policies affecting diverse populations Muslims, Christians, and others must be the result of inclusive dialogue. Unfortunately, that has not happened, and such unilateral decisions erode trust and unity in our pluralistic society."

OTN News observes that CAN drawing comparisons with Islamic-majority nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, noted that these countries do not shut down schools for the entire fasting period but instead implement adjusted schedules or flexible learning arrangements.

“If Islamic heartlands can maintain a balance between education and religious observance, Nigeria’s northern states should follow suit. A five-week closure is excessive and lacks global precedent,” CAN argued.

The association, however, urged the governors of Bauchi (Bala Mohammed), Katsina (Dikko Umar Radda), Kano (Abba Kabir Yusuf), and Kebbi (Nasir Idris) to open channels of dialogue with religious bodies, school owners, parents, and civil society to reassess the directives.

CAN who further warned that it would seek legal recourse if the closures persist, added, “Should these rights continue to face jeopardy, we are prepared to seek restraining orders through the courts to protect the constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience."

Furthermore, CAN who urged Christians, Muslims, and all residents of the affected states to remain peaceful, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting harmony across faiths but insisted that the rights of students and families who do not observe Ramadan must be respected.

“Let us build a Nigeria where faith and progress harmonize, where no child’s education is sacrificed, and where all communities feel valued. We urge the governors to reconsider these policies in the spirit of fairness and national cohesion,” the statement concluded.

OTN News had earlier reported that some Northern states government had ordered the closure of schools for five weeks due to the Ramadan period.

According to the directive, schools will be closed from February 26, 2025, until the end of Ramadan and the Salah celebration, with classes set to resume on April 5.

However, this directive has not been well received by private school owners, particularly those of Christian faith, who argue that due to the diverse student population, the government’s order should not deny all students access to education.