From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the decision of some northern states governors to close schools for the entire one month period of Ramadan fasting.
The students’ body demanded the immediate reversal of the decision within 72 hours, threatening unfriendly mass actions if the decision was not reversed.
NANS’ National Public Relations Officer, Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, in a statement, yesterday, said the policy was not only unjust, but also a blatant infringement on the fundamental rights of students to receive uninterrupted education.
He said: “NANS stands firm in advocating for the right to education for all Nigerian students, regardless of their religious affiliations. Closing schools for an extended period during Ramadan undermines the academic progress of students, disrupts their learning and unfairly targets non-Muslim students, subjecting them to undue discrimination.”
NANS made reference to the Nigerian constitution along with various other international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory, which guarantee the right to education for all citizens.
“This decision to close schools during Ramadan violates these principles, and sets a dangerous precedent that prioritises religious observances over the educational rights of students.
“NANS thus demands the immediate reversal of this policy, and issues a 72-hour ultimatum to the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states, to take corrective action and reopen schools. Failure to comply will result in nationwide protests and legal actions to protect the rights of Nigerian students,” he said.
He urged all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and civil society organizations, to join NANS in the fight to ensure that education remains a priority for all Nigerian students, insisting that all Nigerians must work together to prevent any form of discrimination and uphold the principles of equality and justice.”