Catholic Bishops Oppose School Closures in Ramadan

Northern States’ School Closures During Ramadan Contested

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has rejected the proposal to close schools in Northern states during Ramadan, arguing that it is unnecessary and could disrupt academic activities.

The bishops emphasized that Nigeria is a secular country, and while religious observances should be respected, education should not be compromised. They pointed out that schools remain open during Christian celebrations like Lent and Easter, and therefore, there is no justification for shutting down schools for an entire month for Ramadan.

This stance comes amid growing debates over whether schools should observe a break for the Islamic fasting period. While some Muslim leaders have supported the idea, others argue that students can balance their religious obligations with education.