‘Revoke five weeks Ramadan break in schools or face nationwide protests’ – NANS tells Northern governors
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS has urged Northern governors to revoke their decision to close down schools for five weeks for the Ramadan fast or face nationwide protests.
NANS, gave this directive in a statement on Monday by its National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi.
Recall that governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states had revealed that schools will be closed for the five weeks duration of the Ramadan fast to enable Muslim students participate fully in the fast.
NANS however described the closure as an infringement on the right of every student to uninterrupted education.
Adeyemi stressed that the policy would threaten academic progress and discriminate against non-Muslim students.
According to him, such a move would set a bad precedent in the Nigerian education sector if unchallenged.
The Association therefore announced a 72 hours ultimatum for the decision to be reversed.
The statement reads in part, “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.
“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.
“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.”
