The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has criticised the decision by some northern state governors to close schools for five weeks during Ramadan, describing it as a violation of the country’s secular principles and a threat to education.

In a statement signed by CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and Secretary Bishop Donatus Ogun, on Monday, the bishops expressed concern that the closures affect not only Muslim students but also Christian students and Christian-owned schools.

They argued that such a policy undermines the constitutional guarantee of religious neutrality and the fundamental right to education.

“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,” the statement read, referencing Section 10 of the Constitution, which prohibits the government from adopting any religion as a state religion.

The CBCN also cited international human rights frameworks, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which affirm education as a fundamental right.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has criticised the decision by some northern state governors to close schools for five weeks during Ramadan, describing it as a violation of the country’s secular principles and a threat to education.

In a statement signed by CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and Secretary Bishop Donatus Ogun, on Monday, the bishops expressed concern that the closures affect not only Muslim students but also Christian students and Christian-owned schools.

They argued that such a policy undermines the constitutional guarantee of religious neutrality and the fundamental right to education.

“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,” the statement read, referencing Section 10 of the Constitution, which prohibits the government from adopting any religion as a state religion.

The CBCN also cited international human rights frameworks, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which affirm education as a fundamental right.



https://punchng.com/catholic-bishops-urge-northern-govs-to-reopen-schools-closed-for-ramadan/