The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has expressed deep concern over the decision made by several northern Nigerian governors to close schools for five weeks during Ramadan.
This closure affects not only Muslim students but also Christian students and Christian-owned schools, raising important questions about the secular nature of Nigeria and the rights of its citizens.
The CBCN emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees all citizens the freedom to practice their faith without obstruction. They pointed out the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which affirm that the right to education is a fundamental human right.
The bishops are particularly worried about the impact of this decision on the already high rate of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria. According to UNESCO, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over ten million children not attending school.
The CBCN urges the governors to reconsider their decisions and explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens. They also call on the Federal Government to intervene to ensure that the rights of all Nigerians are protected.