The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states, demanding the reversal of their decision to close schools for five weeks during the Ramadan fast.
In a statement released on Monday, NANS National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, condemned the closure, stating that it infringes on students’ right to uninterrupted education. The association also threatened to launch nationwide protests if their demand is not met.
Adeyemi stressed that the policy would threaten academic progress and discriminate against non-Muslim students.
He stressed that such a move would set a bad precedent in the Nigerian education sector if unchallenged.
Adeyemi emphasized that the policy threatens academic progress and discriminates against non-Muslim students. He warned that if left unchallenged, it could set a dangerous precedent in Nigeria’s education sector.
In his statement, he said, “The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS National Body) strongly condemns the 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 clear violation of students’ fundamental right to uninterrupted education.
“NANS remains committed to defending the educational rights of all Nigerian students, regardless of their religious background. Shutting down schools for an extended period during Ramadan disrupts academic progress, hinders learning, and unfairly marginalizes non-Muslim students, subjecting them to unnecessary 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.”
Adeyemi emphasized that both the Nigerian Constitution and various international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory guarantee the right to education for all citizens. He argued that closing schools during Ramadan violates these principles and sets a troubling precedent by prioritizing religious observances over students’ educational rights.
The NANS spokesperson issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the policy to be reversed, warning that failure to comply would lead to nationwide protests.
He also called on relevant stakeholders to stand with the student body in safeguarding students’ rights.
“NANS demands an immediate reversal of this policy and gives the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states a 72-hour deadline to take corrective action and reopen schools.
“If this directive is not rescinded, we will mobilize nationwide protests and take legal action to defend the educational rights of Nigerian students.”
Adeyemi warned that failure to reverse the policy would lead to nationwide protests and legal action to protect the rights of Nigerian students.
“We call on all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and civil society organizations, to stand with us in this fight to ensure that education remains a priority for all Nigerian students. It is crucial that we work together to prevent discrimination and uphold the principles of equality and justice,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also threatened legal action against the four governors if schools remain closed during Ramadan.
In a statement, CAN President Daniel Okoh condemned the decision, calling it discriminatory and a violation of the rights of non-Muslim students. He also warned that the move could further worsen the educational crisis in the affected states, which already account for 44% of Nigeria’s out-of-school children.
