Ramadan School Closures: CAN Urges Fair Balance

By: Archbishop Daniel Okoh

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) views with grave concern the directives by the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi States mandating the closure of all schools—public and private—for up to five weeks to observe the Ramadan fast, effective from late February to early April 2025. While we honor the religious diversity of our nation and recognize the significance of faith, these decisions raise serious issues of equity, educational continuity, and the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Education is a fundamental right and the bedrock of progress. The closure of schools across these states, ranging from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period disrupts academic schedules and threatens the educational advancement of millions of students. These states—Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi—already face alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44% according to recent data, far exceeding the national average. Such prolonged breaks risk deepening this crisis, undermining efforts to ensure access to quality education for all.

Moreover, the apparent lack of broad consultation in Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi prior to these directives is troubling. CAN leadership in these states has not been adequately engaged, despite claims of stakeholder involvement. Policies impacting diverse populations—Muslims, Christians, and others—demand transparent, inclusive dialogue with parents, educators, religious leaders, and school proprietors. The absence of such engagement erodes trust and unity in our pluralistic society.

Globally, nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—where Islam is central and Ramadan deeply revered—do not shut down schools for the entire fasting period. Instead, they adapt schedules, shortening hours or offering flexibility, to balance education with religious practice. If these Islamic heartlands can maintain this equilibrium, Nigeria’s northern states should strive for similar pragmatism. A month-long closure, or five weeks in Bauchi’s case, is excessive and departs from sensible precedent.

We call on the people of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi—Christians, Muslims, and all residents—to remain calm and peaceful as we address this matter. CAN is dedicated to promoting harmony across faiths, and we urge our members and the public to avoid actions that could heighten tensions. Yet, we cannot overlook the potential violation of the rights of students and families who do not observe Ramadan, nor the dangerous signal this sends for equitable governance.

We therefore request that Governors Bala Mohammed, Dikko Umar Radda, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Nasir Idris open channels of dialogue with key stakeholders—religious bodies, school owners, parents, and civil society—to reassess these directives and pursue inclusive solutions. Transparency is essential, and we expect these governments to act in good faith by promptly engaging all parties. The education of our children and the unity of our states are at stake.

Should these rights face further jeopardy or dialogue fail to deliver justice, CAN is prepared to seek legal recourse. We will pursue restraining orders through the courts to safeguard the constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience. Our pursuit of peace does not diminish our commitment to justice.

Let us unite as Nigerians to forge a society where faith and progress harmonize, where no child’s education is compromised, and where every community is valued. We urge the governors to reconsider these policies in the spirit of fairness and national cohesion.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ramadan School Closures: CAN Urges Fair Balance

Troops Rescue Five Kidnapped Victims, Arrest Three Suspected Kidnappers in Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have rescued five kidnapped victims and arrested three suspected kidnappers during a clearance operation at Boto Forest in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama on Sunday that the operation, which was based on intelligence, was conducted around 12:30 p.m. on March 2.

According to the source, troops engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee.

The rescued victims were identified as Abdullahi Saleh, 38; Blessed Haruna, 17; Mary Nuhu, 32; Charity Nuhu, 35; and Abubakar Wakili, 25.

Troops also arrested three suspected kidnappers: Abubakar Shehu, 30; Mohammed Sani, 20; and Adamu Mohammed, 25.

Further search of the hideout led to the recovery of one fabricated revolver rifle, nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two mobile phones, two cutlasses, 32 rustled cows, and a cash sum of N521,000.

The rescued victims were debriefed and reunited with their families, while one victim who sustained machete cuts was evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.

The arrested suspects and recovered items are in custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang.

Troops Rescue Five Kidnapped Victims, Arrest Three Suspected Kidnappers in Kaduna

Zulum orders 2-year tax waiver for flood victims, others

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved a two-year tax waiver for traders who were affected by the September 2024 flood disaster and Maiduguri Monday market traders.

Zulum granted the waiver to ease financial burden and encourage business growth. The devastating flood caused economic hardship, with many residents losing their livelihoods.

The chairman of Borno State Internal Revenue Service (BO-IRS), Professor Ibrahim Bello Alhaji, who made this known last week, stated that the waiver was part of Zulum’s tax administration reforms which prioritise ease of doing business in the state.

Professor Bello equally noted that Borno State now ranks 12th nationally in terms of improved and digitised tax programmes.

The BO-IRS chairman highlighted ongoing projects in Jiddari, Umarari, GRA, Bulumkutu, Custom, Chad Basin and many other locations, stressing that every part of the state benefits from tax-generated funds.

Zulum orders 2-year tax waiver for flood victims, others