Catholic Bishops Oppose Closure of Schools in Northern States During Ramadan

The Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have expressed strong opposition to 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, Kebbi, and Kano state governments have closed schools due to the Ramadan fast.

In a statement by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), signed by its President, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, 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, are protected.

They called on the governors of the affected states to reconsider the decision and explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

The bishops argued that, apart from violating the country’s constitution, the closure of schools for an extended period undermines the people’s rights and jeopardizes 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.”