Nigerian Bishops Urge Reversal of School Closures During Ramadan

Controversy Arises as Nigerian States Close Schools During Ramadan

In a move that has sparked widespread debate, authorities in several Nigerian states have opted to close all educational institutions for the duration of Ramadan. This decision, affecting schools in Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, and Bauchi, has drawn criticism and surprise from various quarters.

The closures, deemed “unprecedented” by many, have impacted not only state-run and Muslim schools but also Christian and private institutions. Concerns have been raised by Christian leaders, teaching unions, and student representatives about the potential risk to children’s education, especially in a country where school attendance is already a challenge.

According to Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa of Katsina, the closure has disrupted the education of approximately 2,500 students across eight Catholic schools in Katsina alone. When considering all affected regions, the number of impacted students likely reaches into the hundreds of thousands.

Bishop Musa expressed his surprise to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), stating, “The announcement to close the schools came as a complete surprise to us. It is unprecedented.” He emphasized the importance of balancing educational and religious commitments, asserting, “We must understand that education and religious obligations are not strange bed fellows or mutually exclusive. They go hand in hand. The issue should be guided by logic, dialogue and wisdom.”

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has publicly criticized the closures as an infringement on the right to education, warning that it “jeopardises the education and future of millions of Nigerian children.” The bishops have called on state governors to reconsider and seek alternatives that honor the rights of all citizens.

Adding to the controversy, some critics point out that even in Saudi Arabia, schools remain open during Ramadan, albeit on a modified schedule. There are also concerns that the closures might contravene Nigeria’s secular constitution, which prohibits the adoption of an official state religion by any state.