The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has joined other Christian organisations to query the directive by some governors in northern Nigeria to shut schools during the Ramadan period, noting that the decision affects not only Muslim students but also Christian students and Christian-owned schools.
In a statement signed by the President and Secretary of the CBCN, Archbishop of Owerri Lucius Ugorji, and Bishop of Uromi, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, the directives by the state governors “raise serious questions about the secular nature” of Nigeria and the rights of all citizens.
Citing Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution, which states that, “the Government of the Federation or a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion,” the statement explained that the provision not only underscores the secular nature of the country but also guarantees the freedom of all citizens to practise their faith without hindrance.
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The Catholic Bishops also explained that the closure of schools for an extended period undermines the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 26) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (Article 13) and jeopardises the education and future of millions of Nigerian children.
The statement also raised concerns about the impact of the decision on the already alarming rate of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria, which it says will only worsen this crisis and undermine efforts to improve education outcomes in the region.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria further urged the governors of the affected states to reconsider the decision and explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens, as it also called on the Federal Government to intervene and ensure that the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their faith or background, are protected.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
