The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has strongly criticized the decision by some northern state governors to shut down schools for five weeks during Ramadan.
In a statement signed by Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji (CBCN President) and Most Rev. Donatus Ogun (CBCN Secretary), the bishops expressed deep concern over how this policy affects both Muslim and Christian students, as well as Christian-owned schools.
Nigeria Is a Secular State – Bishops Remind Leaders
The bishops emphasized that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, citing Section 10, which states that no government should adopt a particular religion as the state religion.
“As we highlighted in our 2012 pastoral letter, ‘The Church and the Nigerian State,’ Nigeria is a secular country, and this principle must guide all aspects of governance,” they stated.
Education Is a Fundamental Right
According to the bishops, education should never be interrupted for religious reasons, referencing:
✅ Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
✅ Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
They stressed that prolonged school closures could negatively impact millions of children, especially in northern Nigeria.
Nigeria Already Leads in Out-of-School Children – Bishops Warn
The bishops cited UNESCO’s alarming data, which shows that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children globally—over 10 million.
They warned that:
⚠️ The closure could lead to more school dropouts
⚠️ It could slow down efforts to improve literacy rates
⚠️ It might worsen unemployment and poverty among youths
Call for Reversal of the Policy
The CBCN urged the affected state governors to reconsider their decision and adopt alternative solutions that balance religious practices with the right to education.
They also called on the federal government to intervene to protect the educational rights of all Nigerian children.
“We urge our leaders to prioritize the education and future of Nigerian children, regardless of their faith. A truly just society ensures that no child is left behind,” they concluded.
What Happens Next?
As debates continue, many education stakeholders and religious leaders are pushing for a more balanced approach—one that respects religious observances without disrupting learning.
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