Nigerian Bishops condemn move to close schools during Ramadan

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has condemned the decision by some northern state governors to close schools for five weeks during Ramadan, warning that the move violates the secular nature of Nigeria and threatens the right to education for millions of children.

In a statement issued on Monday, 3rd March 2025, the CBCN expressed “deep concern” over the policy, which affects both Muslim and Christian students, including those in Christian-owned schools. The bishops argued that the decision contradicts the Nigerian Constitution, which explicitly upholds the country’s secular status.

“As stated in Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution, ‘The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion,’” the statement read. The bishops further emphasised that “the Nigerian state is secular, and this secularity is not a mere declaration; it is a fundamental principle that must guide all aspects of our national life.”

The CBCN raised alarm over the negative impact of the prolonged school closures on education, particularly in northern Nigeria, where the rate of out-of-school children is already at crisis levels. Citing UNESCO statistics, the bishops noted that “Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 10 million children not attending school.”

“The closure of schools for an extended period undermines this right and jeopardises the education and future of millions of Nigerian children,” the bishops warned, referencing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 26) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Article 13), both of which enshrine education as a fundamental human right.

The CBCN urged the governors of the affected states to reverse their decision and instead explore “alternative arrangements that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.” The bishops also called on the Federal Government to step in and protect the educational rights of all Nigerian children, regardless of their religious background.

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“We pray that our leaders will prioritise the education and well-being of all Nigerian children, regardless of their faith or background, and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all,” the statement concluded.