The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and Abuja has posited that the closure of schools in four Northern states of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi and Kano for five weeks attributing the decision to Ramadan fasting is a setback to education in the region.
The Christian body, therefore, urged the governors who took that decision to be prepared to do the same during the Christian Lenten season.
A statement issued on Monday, and signed by the Chairman, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, condemned the decision by the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano and Kebbi states to close public and private schools for five weeks.
The statement described the decision as a major setback for education in the region, saying, “If such religious considerations were to be applied fairly, then schools should also be shut during Lent, a move that would see children out of school for over two months in a year.”
It expressed concern over the impact of the prolonged closure on students preparing for key examinations like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The Christian body argued that the decision could lead to academic failure and further disadvantage northern students competing for admission into tertiary institutions.
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