The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for the federal government’s intervention concerning the recent declaration by some state governors in the northern region to close schools for five weeks during the Ramadan period.
The clergymen made this known in a statement signed by Lazarus Ugorji, arch-bishop of Owerri, and president; and Donates Ogun, bishop of Uromi, and secretary at CBCN respectively and sighted by BusinessDay.
The bishops express deep concerns over the decision to close schools in some states in the north for the Ramadan fast period.
“We are particularly concerned about the impact of this decision on the already alarming rate of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria.
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According to UNESCO, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world with over 10 million children not attending school. This decision will only exacerbate this crisis, and undermine efforts to improve education outcomes in the region.
“We urge the governors of the affected states to reconsider this decision and explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens. We also call on the federal government to intervene and ensure that the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their faith or background are protected,” the statement read.
The Catholic leaders’ concern is pivotal to the fact that Nigeria is a secular state and that the decision affects not just public schools, but Christian-owned private schools; which encroaches on the rights of such citizens and undermines the uninterrupted education being advocated by the federal government.
Read also: Ramadan: Tinubu charges Muslims to pray for Nigeria
“This decision which affects not only Muslim students but also Christian-owned schools raises serious questions about the secular nature of our country and the rights of all citizens.
As stated in section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution, “The government of the federation or of a state shall not adopt any religion as State Religion” The provision underscores the secular nature of our country and guarantees the freedom of all citizens to practice their faith without hindrance.
“Furthermore, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 26, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Article 13 emphasise the right of education as a fundamental human right. The closure of schools for an extended period undermines this right and jeopardizes the education future of millions of Nigerian children,” the bishops said.
Hence, the bishops called on Nigerian leaders to priortise the education and well-being of all Nigerian children, regardless of their faith or background, and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
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