The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly opposed the decision by Northern governors to shut down schools for five weeks during Ramadan, calling it an infringement on students’ right to uninterrupted education.
In a statement released on Monday, NANS’ National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, declared that the association would not tolerate the policy, which it believes could negatively impact academic progress.
The statement emphasized that education should remain a priority, regardless of religious observances.
Governors from Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states recently announced that schools would be closed during the holy month of Ramadan to enable Muslim students to participate fully in fasting.
However, NANS has condemned this move, warning that it discriminates against non-Muslim students and disrupts the school calendar.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS National Body) vehemently condemns the recent directive by the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to close schools during the holy month of Ramadan,” the statement read.
“This policy is not only unjust but also a blatant infringement on the fundamental rights of students to receive uninterrupted education.”
Furthermore, Adeyemi pointed out that if such a decision remains unchallenged, it could set a dangerous precedent in Nigeria’s education sector.
He insisted that policies affecting students should be designed to accommodate all religious and academic interests rather than favoring one group over another.
In addition, NANS argued that education is a fundamental right and should not be suspended for religious purposes.
“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,” Adeyemi stated.
The association has issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the decision to be reversed, warning that failure to comply will lead to nationwide protests.
“NANS demands the immediate reversal of this policy and issues a 72-hour ultimatum to the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to take corrective action and reopen schools,” the statement continued.
“Failure to comply will result in nationwide protests and legal actions to protect the rights of Nigerian students,” NANS warned.
Meanwhile, the policy has sparked widespread reactions among students, parents, and education stakeholders.
Many believe that while religious observances should be respected, they should not come at the expense of education.
