In a bold and unwavering stance, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has strongly condemned the decision by some northern state governors to shut down schools for five weeks during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The bishops described the move as a blatant violation of Nigeria’s secular principles and a dangerous threat to the country’s already fragile education system.
The criticism, which was made public through Nigerian Stories’ official X handle, has sparked widespread debate across the nation. The CBCN warned that such policies could set a troubling precedent, where religious considerations override the fundamental right to education.
“This decision is not only discriminatory but also undermines the constitutional framework that upholds Nigeria as a multi-religious and secular state,” the bishops stated, urging the governors to reconsider their stance in the interest of national unity and educational advancement.
Education stakeholders have also raised concerns about the long-term implications of the school closures, arguing that they could exacerbate the learning crisis, particularly in a region already struggling with low literacy rates and insurgency-driven disruptions.
While northern state authorities have defended the policy, citing the need for students to observe Ramadan without academic pressure, critics insist that such an approach marginalizes non-Muslim students and sets a dangerous precedent for religious favoritism in governance.
As the controversy deepens, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the federal government will intervene or allow states to continue making policies that could further divide an already polarized nation.
Stay tuned for updates as the debate unfolds.
PIONEER NEWS 