CAN Condemns School Closures for Ramadan in the Northern States, Demands Dialogue
…Threatens legal action if directives are not reviewed
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly criticized the decision by the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi States to shut down all schools, both public and private, for up to five weeks to accommodate the Ramadan fast.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, the association expressed grave concern over the directive, describing it as a serious threat to educational continuity, equity, and national unity.
CAN emphasized that education is a fundamental right and the bedrock of progress, arguing that the prolonged closure disrupts academic schedules and worsens the already dire situation 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.
“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,” CAN stated.
Drawing comparisons with Islamic-majority nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, CAN 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 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 further warned that it would seek legal recourse if the closures persist.
“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,” Archbishop Okoh stated.
While urging Christians, Muslims, and all residents of the affected states to remain peaceful, CAN 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.
CAN’s intervention underscores growing national debate on balancing religious observance with educational priorities, setting the stage for what could become a legal and policy battle over school governance in Nigeria.
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