Catholic Bishops Urge Reopening of Schools Closed for Ramadan, Citing Children’s Right to Education
Catholic Bishops Urge Reopening of Schools Closed for Ramadan, Citing Children’s Right to Education
The Catholic Bishops under the umbrella of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for the reopening of schools shut by some state governments due to the ongoing Ramadan fast.
Four states of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano shut down state-owned schools for the Ramadan.
In a communique from the CBCN 2025 first plenary meeting, signed by the its President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru, the group urged the governments of the affected states to withdraw the order in the light of the rights of the children to education and the multi-religious nature of our society.
“We demand that those governments that ordered the closure of all schools in some parts of the country, withdraw such order in the light of the rights of the children to education and the multi-religious nature of our society,” Iwejuru said.
“We, as Church, promote integral education, health care and agriculture for individual and national development, and we require the enabling environment to play these roles among others.”
Iwejuru appealed to political, religious and traditional leaders to promote the spirit of national integration in the citizenry in order to instil hope and development.
He advised Nigerians to refuse to be cowed to silence and helplessness, but rather insist always on doing the right thing and having it done.
Iwejuru noted that the country is still facing some serious challenges bordering on harsh socio-economic situations, persistent insecurity across the nation, rising youth unemployment and restiveness.
“There is a high cost of food and other essential commodities. Cases of kidnapping and the mindless killing of innocent people still abound. We invite all to always pursue actions that make for unity and national integration,” he said.
Credit: Guidian NG
