Christians in northern Nigeria alarmed after four states close schools during Ramadan

Please join us in prayer following the closure of schools in four states in northern Nigeria during Ramadan, which is affecting Christian children and raises broader concerns over religious freedom.

Schools in four states in northern Nigeria have been closed for the five weeks of Ramadan, affecting all students regardless of their religious identity, including Christians. It’s the first suspension of its kind in Nigeria’s history.    

The directive has been issued by authorities in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi and Kebbi, with the head of Katsina’s morality police insisting that private schools must also observe the closure, declaring ‘non-compliance will not be tolerated’. The northern region is mostly Muslim and 12 of its states – including the four who’ve implemented the closures – apply Sharia (Islamic law).

“Dangerous precedent”

The move has alarmed Christian leaders, teaching unions and student bodies, who fear the constitutional right to an education is under threat. Nigeria’s federal government is being called upon to intervene.

“It sets a dangerous precedent,” says Samson Adeyemi, spokesman for the National Association of Nigerian Students, adding that authorities were ‘prioritising religious observances over students’ right to education’.

“Right to education is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed regardless of students’ religious background,” says John Samuel*, Open Doors legal expert for sub-Saharan Africa. “This action violates the fundamental right to education and religious freedom of religious minorities. The precedent it sets is also dangerous and could lead to violation of other fundamental rights of religious minorities.”

Secular state?

There is also concern over what it means for the Nigeria’s secular status, as per section 10 of its constitution. In theory, Sharia (Islamic law) is subservient to federal law and should only be applied to Muslims, however the reality is often very different – many Christians living in these places already face discrimination and oppression, even in schools.

In 2017 and 2022, two public universities in Katsina State placed full bans on Christian worship on campus, whilst allowing Muslim student groups to continue religious activities. Three years ago, Deborah Yakubu, a Christian student, was accused of blasphemy and murdered by her male classmates while in Shehu Shagari College – a place where she should have been protected.

Warnings have also been raised about the grave impact the move could have on the students, with ten million children in Nigeria already out of school.

“Such prolonged breaks risk deepening this crisis, undermining efforts to ensure access to quality education for all,” said the Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). He added that other Muslim nations, such as Saudi Arabia, keep schools open with special timetables during Ramadan. CAN has called for dialogue and said it was now considering taking legal action to protect students.

In the past, leaders in the north have made religious decisions to boost their political standing with supporters. Whilst the governors responsible for this latest directive have not yet commented on the mass closures, the Muslim religious group, MURIC, criticised Christian leaders, arguing that as the majority religious group, Muslim wishes should be respected.

Vulnerability during Ramadan

Nigeria is seventh on the World Watch List, making it a place of extreme persecution for many believers, particularly in the north. Whilst the high ranking is largely because of violence against Christians, this latest development reflects how opposition also emerges in other, more subtle forms.

It’s also a reminder of how Ramadan can make believers more vulnerable to hostility, not just in Nigeria but worldwide. Believers who bravely choose to not follow certain customs can incite angry reactions from families and communities, whilst the intense and extended devotional requirements of the season can cause hostility towards Christians and other religious minorities to emerge. Please be much in prayer for our brothers and sisters during this time.

*Name changed for security reasons