Catholic bishops kick against closure of schools in northern states during Ramadan

The Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have kicked against the recent decisions by some governors in northern Nigeria to shut down academic activities in all schools in their respective states for five weeks during the Ramadan period.

Bauchi, Kebi and Kano state governments have shut down schools due to the Ramadan fast.

In a statement by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), and signed by its President, Most Rev. Lucius IwejuruUgorji, and Secretary, Most Rev. Donatus A. Ogun, the bishops urged the federal government to intervene and ensure that the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their faith or background, were protected.

They urged that the governors of the affected states to reconsider the decision and explore alternative arrangements that respected the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

Apart from violation of the country’s constitution, the bishops said the closure of schools for an extended period would undermine the people’s rights and jeopardise the education and future of millions of Nigerian children.

The statement in part reads.

 “We, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), express deep concern over the recent declaration by some governors in northern Nigeria to close schools for five weeks during the Ramadan period.

This decision, which affects not only Muslim students but also Christian students and Christian-owned schools, raises serious questions about the secular nature of our country and the rights of all citizens.”