The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has described the decision by some northern state governments to close all schools throughout the Ramadan fasting period as counterproductive.
This is contained in a statement signed by CAN President, Daniel Okoh, on Sunday in Abuja, stating that the decision to close schools during the fasting period, raises serious issues of equity, educational continuity, and the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
According to CAN President, the closures would disrupt education in a region that is already struggling with high rates of out-of-school children, and would also undermine equity in governance.
CAN, while expressing respect for religious practices, said it was dismayed by lack of broad consultation with stakeholders, prior to taking the decisions, as the association further gave global examples, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, UAE, where schools remained open with adjusted schedules during Ramadan.
9News Nigeria reports that some of his words were; “The closure of schools across these northern states, ranging from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period will disrupt academic schedules, and threaten the educational advancement of millions of students.
“These states are already facing alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44 per cent according to recent data, far exceeding the national average.
“Such prolonged breaks risk deepening this crisis, undermining efforts to ensure access to quality education for all,” CAN said.
9News Nigeria reports that some states in the north, like Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi, have directed that all schools should be closed during Ramadan.
CAN, further called for dialogue involving religious leaders, educators, and parents to reassess the policy, as it warned that if inclusive solutions were not reached, it may pursue legal action to protect the students’ constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience.
It, therefore, called for calm and peaceful engagement on the development, adding that fairness and national cohesion were of critical importance.
