The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS National body condemns the directive by the governors of Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi states over their decision to close down schools during the Holy month of Ramadan, threatening protest. NANS National Public Relations officer, Sam Adeyemi, on Monday, stated that the closure is a violation of the right of every student while stressing that the policy would threaten academic progress and discriminate against non-Muslim students as well as set a bad example in the Nigerian education sector if uncontested.
“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 gave a 72-hour ultimatum for the policy to be reversed while threatening to embark on a nationwide protest. He urged other stakeholders to join the student body in ensuring that student’s rights are protected as 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.
Recall that the Christian Association of Nigeria has also threatened legal action against the four governors if the schools remain closed during the period of Ramadan. CAN, in a statement by its President, Daniel Okoh, described the move as discriminatory and a violation of the rights of non-Muslim students, highlighting its potential to worsen the educational crisis in the affected states, which already account for 44 percent of Nigeria’s out-of-school children.