National Association of Nigeria Students and the Christian Association of Nigeria have kicked against the decision of Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Bauchi States to suspended education during the period of the Ramadan fasting.
Last week, Kano’s education ministry ordered all schools in the state to close on Friday and reopen April 7, at which point they will have two weeks to conclude the term and issue terminal exams. Katsina, Kebbi and Bauchi also followed suit, it would the first-time schools are ordered closed during the period in the States where Sharia Law is practiced.
Reacting to the move, NANS said Monday that it condemned the decision by the four States, the student body demanded for a reversal, or it would be forced to go on nationwide street protests.
“The decision undermines the academic progress of students, disrupts their learning, and unfairly targets non-Muslim students, subjecting them to undue discrimination,” NANS said.
It also accused authorities of the four states of setting “a dangerous precedent” by prioritising religious observances over students’ right to education.
Over the weekend, CAN issued a statement condemning the school closures and threatened legal action if the affected states did not reverse the decision, which “threatens the educational advancement of millions of students”.
