The Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, under the auspices of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), have condemned the recent decision by several governors in northern Nigeria to close schools for five weeks during Ramadan.
In a joint statement from CBCN president, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, and secretary, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, the bishops expressed their disappointment over the implications of this decision, particularly its impact on both Muslim and Christian students, as well as Christian-owned educational institutions.
The bishops expressed their concerns regarding Nigeria’s secular framework and all citizens’ rights.
“As stated in Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution, ‘The government of the federation or a state shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.’ This provision underscores the secular nature of our country and guarantees the freedom of all citizens to practice their faith without hindrance.
“As we emphasised in our pastoral letter, ‘The church and the Nigerian state’ (2012), ‘The Nigerian state is secular, and this secularity is not a mere declaration; it is a fundamental principle that must guide all aspects of our national life,’” they said.
While highlighting the broader issues associated with the decision to suspend educational activities, the bishops referenced the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 26) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Article 13), which affirm the right to education as a fundamental human right.
They cautioned that the prolonged closure of schools jeopardises the future of millions of Nigerian children by undermining their educational opportunities.
The bishops stated they are particularly worried about the potential escalation of the already concerning number of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria.
“UNESCO reports that Nigeria is home to the highest number of out-of-school children globally, with over 10 million children currently not receiving an education,” they said.
The CBCN warned that this latest decision could exacerbate the crisis and thwart ongoing initiatives to improve educational outcomes in the region.
The CBCN urged the governors of the states involved to reconsider their decisions and seek alternative solutions that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
They also called on the federal government to intervene and ensure the protection of rights for all Nigerians, regardless of their religious beliefs.
“We pray that our leaders will prioritise the education and well-being of all Nigerian children, regardless of their faith or background, and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all,” the bishops said.
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