CAN against closure of Northern schools for Ramadan, citing Saudi Arabia, UAE where schools remain open
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
*******************************
“The closure of schools across these northern states, ranging from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period will disrupt academic schedules and threaten the educational advancement of millions of students.
“These states are already grappling with alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44 per cent according to recent data, far exceeding the national average” – CAN.
*******************************
Closing all schools from nursery to tertiary for an extended period is a threat to the educational advancement of students, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reiterated to Northern states.
The decision by some Northern state governments to close all schools throughout the Ramadan fasting period is counterproductive, according to a statement issued in Abuja by CAN President Daniel Okoh.
Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, and Bauchi, have directed that all schools remain closed during Ramadan, a decision Okoh said raises serious concerns about educational continuity, equity, and the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
“The closure of schools across these northern states, ranging from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period will disrupt academic schedules and threaten the educational advancement of millions of students,” he stressed.
“These states are already grappling with alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44 per cent according to recent data, far exceeding the national average.
“Such prolonged breaks risk deepening this crisis and undermining efforts to ensure access to quality education for all.”
CAN affirmed its respect for religious practices but expressed dismay at the lack of broad consultation with stakeholders before the decision was made.
It cited examples of fully Islamic countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where schools are open during Ramadan with adjusted schedules.
Muslim man beats wife to death over Ramadan food ingredients, fruits
In a related development, police have launched investigation into the death of a woman allegedly beaten to death by her husband during a dispute over meal preparation on the first day of Ramadan.
Bauchi Police Command spokesperson Ahmed Wakili disclosed in a statement that the incident occurred on Saturday at about 11.30pm in the Fadamam Mada area, near Government Girls College, Bauchi.
Nuru Isah, 50, a businessman at Bauchi Central Market, reportedly attacked his second wife Wasila Abdullahi, 24, after an argument over food ingredients and fruits meant for breaking their Ramadan fast.
The altercation escalated and Isah allegedly struck Wasila with a cane, causing her to collapse and lose consciousness in their home.
She was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) where medical personnel confirmed her death.
Police have arrested the suspect and recovered the cane used in the assault as evidence, and the victim’s remains have been deposited in the mortuary pending an autopsy.
Bauchi Commissioner of Police Auwal Muhammad has assured the public that justice will be served.
He emphasised the dangers of domestic violence, urging the community to uphold respect, empathy, and understanding in family life.
He also implored residents to report cases of domestic abuse, stressing that violence in the home is a crime with serious consequences.
Read also:
Armed robbery suspect arrested by police while operating in military uniform
