The recent closure of schools in some states in the North for this year’s Ramadan has been criticised by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other stakeholders in the education sector. They believe that the closure of the schools from March 1 to April 7 will exacerbate the out-of-school children crisis in the region and deny Christian students their rights to education. In a release signed by the CBCN President and Secretary, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and Bishop Donatus Ogun, respectively, the CBCN expressed deep concern over the recent closure of schools for five weeks in Bauchi, Kano, Katsina and Kebbi states.
The Catholic Bishops assert that the decision will affect not only the Muslim students but also Christian students and Christian owned schools. They also believe that the governors’ decision raises serious questions about the secular nature of our country and the rights of all citizens. Citing Section 10 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), the Bishops stated: “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.” They further hold that ‘this provision underscores the secular nature of our country and guarantees the freedom of all citizens to practise their faith without hindrance.”
The Bishops also contend 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.” It is worth mentioning that the closure of schools is an infringement of Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which emphasise the right to education as a fundamental human right.
In the same vein, the Chairman of CAN in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev John Hayab, said in a statement that “CAN in the 19 Northern States and the FCT are worried about the school closure given the drawbacks in school life faced by children in most Northern states triggered by rising insecurities, which have obstructed the education of our wards; the closure of schools for five weeks is not only faultily timed, but the impact of the schools’ closure could further be a setback for the education of young persons in the region.”
They also opine that the closure of schools will negatively affect students preparing for the examinations organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO). Moreover, the Northern states are particularly classified as educationally disadvantaged, with Nigeria’s 20.1 million out-of-school children coming mainly from the region. Unfortunately, Nigeria has the second highest number of out-of-school children in the world. The number one nation is India. In the recent multidimensional poverty index of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Bauchi State had 54 per cent of children who lack access to education, Kebbi State 45 per cent, Katsina State 38 per cent and Kano State 35 per cent.
Considering the mounting opposition over the closure of schools and its attendant dire consequences on education in the region, we urge the governors of Bauchi, Kano, Katsina and Kebbi states to rescind the decision and reopen the schools. Since workers in other sectors in these states are not observing the holidays, the education sector, which will enhance the educational and socio-economic development of the region, should not be singled out for the compulsory break.
There is no doubt that disrupting academic activities in these schools for five weeks is a great disservice to education and schooling in the affected states. The decision will further increase the growing number of out-of-school children in the region and lower the education standard. The education of school children should not be toyed with or politicized. We call on the affected state governors to reconsider their decision because of its negative impact on Christian students and schools owned by Christians.
Let the governors heed the advice of the Catholic Bishops, the CAN in the North and other stakeholders in the education sector and reopen the schools forthwith. On the other hand, the Federal Government should intervene and persuade these states to rescind the decision and ensure that the rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith, are protected. Going forward, the affected states should prioritise education more than any other thing. They should think more of how to rescue their people from poverty and poor access to health and education.