CAN Threatens Court Action As Four Northern States Close Schools For Ramadan

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised concerns over the extended closure of schools in Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi States during Ramadan, warning that this move violates students’ constitutional rights and jeopardises educational progress.

The five-week shutdown, from late February to early April 2025, affects all public and private educational institutions, including nursery, primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

This was contained in a statement issued by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Sunday.

It expressed grave concern over the lack of inclusivity in the decision-making process and its disproportionate impact on non-Muslim students.

CAN emphasised that education is a fundamental right and urged the governors of the affected states to reconsider this policy to promote equity and national cohesion.

The apex Christian body argued that the extended break disrupts academic schedules and undermines efforts to provide quality education for all, noting that this closure threatens to worsen the already high rates of out-of-school children in the region, which average 44%, significantly above the national average.

The association also highlighted the failure to consult adequately with stakeholders, including Christian leaders, parents, and educators, as a lapse in inclusive governance.

CAN referenced countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where schools remain open during Ramadan with adjusted schedules, advocating for a similar approach in Nigeria’s northern states to minimise educational disruption.

While urging residents to remain calm and peaceful, CAN warned it would pursue legal action if students’ rights are further threatened, including seeking restraining orders to protect constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience.

CAN also called on Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dikko Umar Radda (Katsina), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), and Nasir Idris (Kebbi) to engage in dialogue with religious bodies, school owners, parents, and civil society to reassess the directives. The association stressed the need for transparency and inclusive solutions to ensure the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their faith.

The statement urged unity, calling on Nigerians to create a society where faith and progress coexist and no child’s education is compromised.

Archbishop Okoh stated, “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) views with grave concern the directives from the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi States mandating the closure of all schools — public and private — for up to five weeks to observe Ramadan.

“Education is a fundamental right and the foundation of progress. This closure disrupts academic schedules and threatens the advancement of millions of students.

“These states already face alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44%, far exceeding the national average.

“The lack of broad consultation prior to these directives is troubling. CAN leadership in these states has not been adequately engaged, despite claims of stakeholder involvement.

“Globally, countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates do not close schools for the entire fasting period. They adapt schedules to balance education with religious practice.

“We request that Governors Bala Mohammed, Dikko Umar Radda, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Nasir Idris engage in dialogue with key stakeholders — religious bodies, school owners, parents, and civil society — to reassess these directives and pursue inclusive solutions.

“Should these rights face further jeopardy or dialogue fail to deliver justice, CAN is prepared to seek legal recourse to safeguard the constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience.

“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.”