Babatunji Wusu –
- Ultimatum Issued: The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has given governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states 72 hours to reverse their decision to shut schools for five weeks during Ramadan.
- Violation of Rights: NANS describes the policy as a violation of students’ rights to uninterrupted education.
- Academic Disruption: The association warns that the prolonged closure will hinder academic progress and unfairly discriminate against students of other faiths.
- Threat of Protest: If the decision is not reversed, NANS vows to mobilize students for nationwide protests.
- Legal Action Considered: NANS is prepared to pursue legal avenues should the state governments refuse to comply.
- Call for Resistance: Parents, educators, and civil society organizations are urged to oppose the decision.
- Broader Opposition: The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also rejected the move, threatening legal action.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the decision by the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to shut down schools for five weeks during Ramadan. In a statement on Monday, NANS National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding an immediate reversal of the policy, warning that failure to comply would lead to nationwide student protests.
Adeyemi described the directive as a blatant infringement on students’ rights to uninterrupted education, arguing that such an extended closure would severely disrupt academic progress. He further highlighted concerns that the policy could disproportionately affect students of other faiths, making it an unfair educational setback.
“We demand the immediate reversal of this directive, or we will be left with no option but to mobilize students nationwide for mass protests,” Adeyemi declared.
In addition to protests, NANS has indicated its willingness to explore legal options should the affected state governments fail to reverse the decision. Adeyemi also called on parents, educators, and civil society organizations to join in opposing the school closures, stressing that prolonged disruptions to the academic calendar could have long-term negative consequences on students’ performance.
This development comes as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also voiced its opposition to the decision, labeling it discriminatory and threatening legal action against the state governments involved.
As tensions rise, NANS remains resolute in its demand, insisting that education should not be compromised for political or religious reasons. The coming days will determine whether the state governments will heed the students’ demands or face widespread resistance.
