The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the decision of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to shut down all schools during Ramadan fasting.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Daniel Okoh, CAN president, said shutting down schools for up to five weeks violates students’ rights and disrupts academic progress.
Okoh noted that predominantly Islamic nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) do not take such measures during Ramadan fasting.
He urged the state governments to consult with religious leaders, school owners, parents, and civil society organisations (CSOs) to find a more inclusive approach.
The CAN president also warned that if dialogue fails to protect the constitutional rights of students and families, it will consider legal action to challenge the directive.
“While we honour the religious diversity of our nation and recognise the significance of faith, these decisions raise serious issues of equity, educational continuity, and the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs,” the statement reads.
“These states—Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi—already face alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44 percent, according to recent data, far exceeding the national average.
“Such prolonged breaks risk deepening this crisis, undermining efforts to ensure access to quality education for all.
“Moreover, the apparent lack of broad consultation in Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi prior to these directives is troubling. CAN leadership in these states has not been adequately engaged, despite claims of stakeholders’ involvement.
“Policies impacting diverse populations—Muslims, Christians, and others—demand transparent, inclusive dialogue with parents, educators, religious leaders, and school proprietors. The absence of such engagement erodes trust and unity in our pluralistic society.
“Globally, nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—where Islam is central, and Ramadan deeply revered—do not shut down schools for the entire fasting period.
“Instead, they adapt schedules, shortening hours or offering flexibility, to balance education with religious practice.
“If these Islamic heartlands can maintain this equilibrium, Nigeria’s northern states should strive for similar pragmatism. A month-long closure, or five weeks in Bauchi’s case, is excessive and departs from sensible precedent.
“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.
“We cannot overlook the potential violation of the rights of students and families who do not observe Ramadan, nor the dangerous signal this sends for equitable governance.
“We therefore request that Governors Bala Mohammed, Dikko Umar Radda, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Nasir Idris open channels of 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. We will pursue restraining orders through the courts to safeguard the constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience.”
