In a significant development concerning educational policy during the holy month of Ramadan, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has sharply criticized the recent decision by various northern states to shut down all educational institutions. The association describes this action as counterproductive and detrimental to the educational progress of students in those regions.
A Strain on Education in Northern Nigeria
On Sunday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed the organization’s concerns through an official statement released in Abuja. He highlighted that the closure of schools in states such as Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, and Bauchi poses a severe threat to educational continuity. With the majority of these states already facing high rates of out-of-school children—averaging an alarming 44 percent—this decision could exacerbate an already dire situation.
The decision to shutter educational facilities holds significant implications. According to the association, this lengthy closure not only disrupts academic schedules, but it also jeopardizes the educational advancement of millions of students who rely on consistent schooling for their development. As Nigeria grapples with one of the highest rates of out-of-school children globally, such government actions may further deepen this troubling trajectory.
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“The closure of schools across these northern states, ranging from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period will disrupt academic schedules and threaten the educational advancement of millions of students,” stated Okoh. “These states are already grappling with alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44 percent according to recent data, far exceeding the national average. Such prolonged breaks risk deepening this crisis and undermining efforts to ensure access to quality education for all.”
Call for Stakeholder Engagement
Despite its respect for religious practices and values, CAN has also expressed disappointment over what it describes as a lack of consultation with key stakeholders before implementing this critical decision. The importance of inclusive dialogue regarding educational policies can’t be overstated, as it impacts the lives of countless families and the future of the region’s youth.
The association draws attention to international examples where educational institutions remain open during Ramadan, such as in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These countries have successfully adopted adjusted school schedules that accommodate the demands of the fasting month without compromising educational opportunities. CAN argues that Nigeria could benefit from similar models, allowing children to continue their education while respecting religious practices.
Interestingly, there’s growing concern from various quarters about the long-term implications of the school closures, especially in a country striving toward educational reforms and improvements. Experts warn that such decisions may reinforce existing inequalities in access to education, particularly affecting marginalized communities who can least afford interruptions in their schooling.
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Future of Education in Northern States
The criticism from CAN comes at a pressing time when educational equity is not just a matter of concern, but a pressing national agenda. As Nigeria strives to meet global educational standards and cater to the needs of its burgeoning youth population, policies that favor closure over continuity could prove detrimental to the overall growth and development of the northern region.
Parents, educators, and community leaders are already speaking out, urging the state governments to rethink their approach. Closing schools during Ramadan, they argue, is a temporary fix that could have lasting repercussions on the education system, particularly when many families are still trying to recover from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the debate continues, it is clear that stakeholders both in and out of government must come together to find a solution that honors Ramadan while also ensuring that the right to education remains intact for all children across Nigeria.
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The call to action is clear: the future of children in these northern states depends on collaborative efforts that prioritize educational continuity. It is vital for the local governments to engage with various interest groups, including religious organizations, educators, and parents, to develop a plan that serves the best interests of their youth rather than exacerbating the existing educational crisis.
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