Catholic Bishops Decry Five-Week Closure of Schools in Northern Nigeria for Ramadan

Abuja, 04 March, 2025 / 4:08 PM

Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) are questioning the secular nature of the West African country following the closure of schools in some Nigerian States for the period of Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims, when they commemorate Qur’an’s revelation by fasting from food and drink during the sunlit hours to draw closer to God and nurture self-control, show gratitude, and practice compassion towards the needy.

Governors of Bauchi, Kebbi and Kano States, all in northern Nigeria, have reportedly announced closure of schools for weeks in alignment with the commencement of Ramadan. 

Bauchi State in particular has reportedly announced a term break from March 1 to April 6, a period that aligns with Ramadan, prompting discussions about the role of religious observances in academic planning.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa, Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have faulted the move, noting that the lengthy term break affects not only Muslim learners, but also Christians.

“We, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria express deep concern over the recent declaration by some governors in northern Nigeria to close schools for five weeks during the Ramadan period,” they say in their statement dated Monday, March 3.

CBCN members add, “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.” 

They make reference to Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution which states, “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion”, and note, “This provision underscores the secular nature of our country and guarantees the freedom of all citizens to practise their faith without hindrance.”

Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops also make reference to Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which they say emphasise the right to education as a fundamental human right. 

The members of CBCN say that closure of schools for an extended period undermines rights of learners and jeopardises the education and future of millions of Nigerian children. 

According to the Bishops, the rate of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria is already alarming, and that closure of schools for a long period will only exacerbate the crisis and undermine efforts to improve education outcomes in the region. 

They have urged the Governors of the affected Nigerian States to reconsider the decision to close schools in their respective States, and to instead explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens. 

CBCN members further call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene and ensure that the rights of all Nigerians, “regardless of their faith or background”, are protected. 

“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,” Catholic Bishops in Nigeria says in the statement that their President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Secretary, Bishop Donatus Ogun and Assistant Secretary, Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo, cosigned.