NANS Threatens Protest Over Ramadan School Closures
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states, demanding the reversal of their decision to close schools for five weeks during the Ramadan fast. The student body warned that failure to comply would result in nationwide protests.
In a statement released on Monday, NANS National Public Relations Officer Samson Adeyemi condemned the closure, calling it a violation of students’ rights to uninterrupted education.
Adeyemi argued that the policy threatens academic progress and discriminates against non-Muslim students. He also warned that if left unchallenged, it could set a dangerous precedent in the Nigerian education sector.
“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,” Adeyemi stated.
“This policy is not only unjust but also a blatant infringement on the fundamental rights of students to receive uninterrupted education.
“NANS stands firm in advocating for the right to education for all Nigerian students, regardless of their religious affiliations. 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.
“The Nigerian constitution, along with various international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory, guarantees the right to education for all citizens. The decision to close schools during Ramadan violates these principles and sets a dangerous precedent that prioritises religious observances over the educational rights of students.”
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He reiterated NANS’ stance, insisting that the policy must be reversed immediately.
“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.
“Failure to comply will result in nationwide protests and legal actions to protect the rights of Nigerian students.
“We urge all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and civil society organisations, to join us in this fight to ensure that education remains a priority for all Nigerian students. We must work together to prevent any form of discrimination and uphold the principles of equality and justice,” Adeyemi added.
Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also opposed the decision, threatening legal action against the four governors if schools remain closed during Ramadan.
In a statement, CAN President Daniel Okoh described the school closures as discriminatory and a violation of non-Muslim students’ rights. He further warned that the policy could worsen the already dire educational crisis in the affected states, which account for 44 per cent of Nigeria’s out-of-school children.
SOURCE: https://punchng.com/
Content Credit| Agbetan Bisola
Picture Credit | https://newscentral.africa/
