The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has strongly opposed the decision by some northern state governors to shut down schools for five weeks during Ramadan, arguing that it violates the country’s secular principles and threatens education.
According to The PUNCH, the CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and Secretary Bishop Donatus Ogun criticized the policy, stating that it affects both Muslim and Christian students, as well as Christian-owned schools.
“The Nigerian state is secular, and this secularity is not a mere declaration; it is a fundamental principle that must guide all aspects of our national life,” the bishops emphasized, referencing Section 10 of the Constitution, which prohibits the government from adopting any religion as a state religion.
They also pointed out that the decision contradicts international human rights frameworks, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which recognize education as a fundamental right.
The CBCN warned that the policy could further deteriorate Nigeria’s struggling education sector, particularly in the northern region, where school attendance is already a major concern.
“With over 10 million children out of school, according to UNESCO, shutting down schools for an extended period will only worsen an already dire situation,” the statement read.
The bishops urged state governments to reconsider their stance and called on the Federal Government to intervene to protect the educational rights of all citizens.
“We pray that our leaders will prioritize the education and well-being of all Nigerian children, regardless of their faith or background, and work toward creating a more just and equitable society for all,” the CBCN concluded.
