Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Condemns School Closures for Ramadan, Calls for Dialogue with Stakeholders
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed strong concern regarding the recent directive to shut down all schools in Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi States during Ramadan, describing it as a violation of the rights of students and families, and a “dangerous signal” for governance.
In a statement, CAN called on the state governors to open channels of dialogue with key stakeholders—religious bodies, school owners, parents, and civil society—to reassess these directives and pursue more inclusive solutions.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, emphasized the association’s deep concern regarding the closure of schools, both public and private, in the affected states for up to five weeks—from late February to early April 2025—in observance of the Ramadan fast. Okoh acknowledged the significance of religious diversity in Nigeria but warned that these directives raised serious issues related to equity, educational continuity, and the welfare of all citizens, regardless of religious beliefs.
“Education is a fundamental right and the bedrock of progress. The closure of schools across these states, ranging from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period disrupts academic schedules and threatens the educational advancement of millions of students. These states—Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi—already face alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44 percent, 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,” the statement reads.
Furthermore, CAN expressed concerns over the lack of broad consultation before these directives were issued. Despite claims of stakeholder involvement, CAN leadership in these states was not adequately engaged. The association stressed that policies affecting diverse populations—Muslims, Christians, and others—should involve transparent, inclusive dialogue with parents, educators, religious leaders, and school proprietors. The absence of such engagement, CAN argued, erodes trust and unity in Nigeria’s pluralistic society.
CAN also pointed to international examples, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where schools are not closed for the entire Ramadan period. In those countries, schedules are adapted—either by shortening school hours or offering flexible options—allowing students to observe religious practices while continuing their education. If Islamic heartlands like these can maintain a balance between religious observance and educational needs, CAN urged Nigeria’s northern states to adopt similar approaches.
“We call on the people of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi—Christians, Muslims, and all residents—to remain calm and peaceful as we address this matter. CAN is dedicated to promoting harmony across faiths, and we urge our members and the public to avoid actions that could heighten tensions. However, we cannot overlook the potential violation of the rights of students and families who do not observe Ramadan, nor the dangerous signal this sends for equitable governance,” the statement further reads.
In light of the situation, CAN urged the governors of the affected states—Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina, Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano, and Nasir Idris of Kebbi—to engage in dialogue with key stakeholders to reconsider the closures and explore alternative solutions that would respect both religious practices and the educational needs of all children.
“Transparency is essential, and we expect these governments to act in good faith by promptly engaging all parties. The education of our children and the unity of our states are at stake,” the statement concluded.
CAN made it clear that if dialogue does not yield a fair solution or if students’ rights are further jeopardized, the association will pursue legal recourse, including seeking restraining orders through the courts to protect the constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience. The association’s commitment to peace, they emphasized, would not diminish their pursuit of justice.
Finally, CAN called for unity among Nigerians to ensure a society where faith and progress harmonize, and where no child’s education is compromised. The association urged the governors to reconsider the closure policies in the spirit of fairness, national cohesion, and the protection of fundamental rights.
