The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to embark on nationwide protests if the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states do not reverse their decision to close down schools for five weeks for the Ramadan fast within 72 hours.
NANS’ National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, criticized the closure as a violation of students’ right to uninterrupted education.
Adeyemi argued that the policy would harm academic progress and discriminate against non-Muslim students, setting a negative precedent in the Nigerian education sector.
Adeyemi stated, “The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS National Body) vehemently condemns the recent directive by the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to close schools during the holy month of Ramadan.
“This policy is not only unjust but also a blatant infringement on the fundamental rights of students to receive uninterrupted education.
“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.
“The Nigerian constitution, along with various international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory, guarantees the right to education for all citizens. The decision to close schools during Ramadan violates these principles and sets a dangerous precedent that prioritizes religious observances over the educational rights of students.”
However, the NANS PRO issued a 72-hour deadline for the policy to be repealed, threatening to launch a statewide protest.
He asked other stakeholders to join the student body in ensuring student rights are upheld.
“NANS 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.
“We urge all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and civil society organizations, to join us in this fight to ensure that education remains a priority for all Nigerian students. We must work together to prevent any form of discrimination and uphold the principles of equality and justice,” Adeyemi concluded.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has threatened legal action against the four governors if schools remain closed during Ramadan.
CAN President Daniel Okoh described the move as discriminatory and a violation of non-Muslim students’ rights.
The move could worsen the educational crisis in the affected states, which already account for 44% of Nigeria’s out-of-school children.
