Concern as Thousands of Students in Northern Nigerian Catholic Schools Forced to Stay at Home for Ramadan

The school closures, the Nigerian Catholic Bishop told ACN, mean that hundreds of thousands of learners in the four States are unexpectedly deprived of attending classes in a region where the lack of access to education increases unemployment and worsens poverty.

“The announcement of school closures took us by surprise, as it is unprecedented,” Bishop Musa is quoted as saying in the Thursday, March 13 ACN report, and added, “We must understand that education and religious obligations are not mutually exclusive, but go hand in hand. In this matter, we should be guided by logic, dialogue, and wisdom.”

The pioneer Catholic Bishop of Katsina Diocese recalled that, as a child, he and other young people of all faiths attended school during Ramadan and other periods of religious fasting.

He emphasized that there is “no precedent” for education to be disrupted during these periods.

Authorities in Katsina have reportedly warned that non-compliance will result in consequences. “In accordance with the Katsina State Government's directive, all private schools are required to close during the Ramadan period to allow pupils to fully observe the holy month,” reads a statement by the State’s Hisbah Board as published by Sahara Reporters.

The directive that also includes extra lessons continues, “The Hisbah Board urges all school proprietors to strictly comply, as non-compliance will not be tolerated” and concludes with prayers, “May Allah accept our fast and grant us His blessings.”

The closure has sparked widespread outrage, with critics arguing that the move negatively impacts education in a region already struggling with high levels of poverty and illiteracy.

Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have particularly questioned the secular nature of the West African nation that is Africa’s most populous country following the directives and eventual closure of learning institutions.

In a statement they shared with ACI Africa, Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops faulted the move, noting that the five-week school closure 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.” 

In the March 3 statement, CBCN members made 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 noted, “This provision underscores the secular nature of our country and guarantees the freedom of all citizens to practise their faith without hindrance.”

They also made 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 said emphasizes the right to education as a fundamental human right. 

The Catholic Church leaders called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene and ensure that the rights of all Nigerians, “regardless of their faith or background”, are protected.