The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states, demanding they reverse the decision to shut down schools for five weeks during Ramadan.
In a statement on Monday 3rd March, NANS National PRO, Samson Adeyemi, condemned the closure, describing it as a violation of students’ rights and discriminatory against non-Muslim students.
Adeyemi warned that prioritizing religion over education could set a dangerous precedent, adding that the move contradicts the Nigerian Constitution and international treaties on the right to education.
NANS called on parents, educators, and civil society groups to support their demand for an immediate reopening of schools.
If the policy is not reversed, the student body vowed to stage nationwide protests and pursue legal action.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also condemned the move, with its President, Daniel Okoh, threatening to challenge the policy in court.
CAN described the closures as detrimental to education, particularly in states already struggling with high out-of-school children rates.
