The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to reverse their decision to shut down schools for five weeks during Ramadan or face nationwide protests.
In a statement on Monday, NANS National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, condemned the move, labelling it a violation of students’ rights to uninterrupted education. He warned that the decision could set a dangerous precedent, disrupt academic activities, and unfairly impact non-Muslim students.
“This directive undermines the educational progress of students and prioritises religious observances over learning. Education is a fundamental right, and any policy that hinders it must be challenged,” Adeyemi stated.
NANS called on stakeholders, including parents and civil society organisations, to support their demand for an immediate policy reversal.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also criticised the school closures, threatening legal action if the decision stands. CAN President, Daniel Okoh, described the move as discriminatory, warning that it could worsen the already alarming rate of out-of-school children in the affected states.
