The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a stern warning, threatening nationwide protests unless the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states reverse their controversial decision to close schools for five weeks during Ramadan. NANS emphasizes that this closure infringes on students’ rights to uninterrupted education.
In a recent announcement, NANS National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, expressed strong disapproval of the governors’ directive, labeling it an injustice and a violation of fundamental educational rights. “This policy disrupts the academic progress of students and unfairly targets non-Muslim students, promoting discrimination in the education sector,” Adeyemi stated.
He asserted that the Nigerian constitution, along with international treaties, guarantees every citizen’s right to education. The decision to close schools during Ramadan not only undermines these principles but also establishes a concerning precedent that could compromise educational integrity.
NANS has issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the governors to reverse the policy, warning that failure to comply will lead to large-scale protests and legal actions aimed at safeguarding students’ rights. Adeyemi urged parents, educators, and civil society organizations to rally together to ensure education remains accessible and equitable for all Nigerian students.
Additionally, the Christian Association of Nigeria has echoed these concerns, threatening legal action against the governors if schools remain closed, citing the potential exacerbation of Nigeria’s existing educational crisis, particularly in regions with high rates of out-of-school children.
