The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja has condemned the closure of public and private schools in some Northern states during Ramadan, calling on governors to strike a balance between education and religious practices.
The affected states, including Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi, have ordered the closure of schools for five weeks during the Ramadan period. CAN, however, expressed concern that this decision could severely disrupt the education of students, especially those preparing for exams. Senior secondary students, who are set to sit for the Joint Matriculation Examination (JME), as well as junior students taking the Junior Secondary Schools exams, are particularly at risk, according to CAN.
Rev. John Hayab, the Chairman of Northern CAN, raised alarms over the impact of the school closures, noting that many children in the region already face educational challenges due to rising insecurity. He pointed to alarming statistics from the National Bureau for Statistics, which revealed that a significant portion of children in states like Bauchi (54%), Kebbi (45%), Katsina (38%), and Kano (35%) lack access to education.
Hayab also voiced concerns about the religious implications for children under the age of 14, who may not yet be mature enough to observe the fast. He questioned whether such closures were truly rooted in Islamic teachings or whether they were driven by political considerations. He cited countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where schools remain open during Ramadan, and called for a similar approach in the affected Northern Nigerian states.
Rather than closing schools entirely, Hayab suggested that governors consider reducing school hours, from morning to noon, to accommodate students and teachers observing the fast without compromising their education. He stressed that the current school closures could weaken the prospects for quality education in the region.
In a statement, CAN appealed to the Northern governors, urging them to reconsider the school closures and prioritize education for the benefit of all students. The organization warned that such actions could present the region in a negative light, and emphasized the importance of addressing the matter in a peaceful and constructive manner.
“CAN in the 19 Northern States and the FCT calls on the people to remain calm and law-abiding, and urges well-meaning Nigerians to join in addressing this issue amicably,” Hayab added.
The Christian body’s appeal comes as part of their ongoing advocacy for improved education in the Northern region, highlighting the need for solutions that respect both religious practices and academic responsibilities.
