The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states respectively, demanding an immediate reversal of their decision to shut schools for five weeks during Ramadan.

Samson Adeyemi, the NANS National Public Relations Officer described the policy as a blatant violation of students’ rights to uninterrupted education.

Adeyemi explained that the policy would threaten academic progress and discriminate against non-Muslim students.

The Association in a statement demanded for reversal of the decision made by the governors: “The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS National Body) vehemently condemns the recent directive by the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to close schools during the holy month of Ramadan.

“This policy is not only unjust but also a blatant infringement on the fundamental rights of students to receive uninterrupted education.

“NANS stands firm in advocating for the right to education for all Nigerian students, regardless of their religious affiliations. Closing schools for an extended period during Ramadan undermines the academic progress of students, disrupts their learning, and unfairly targets non-Muslim students, subjecting them to undue discrimination.

“NANS demands the immediate reversal of this policy and issues a 72-hour ultimatum to the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to take corrective action and reopen schools.

“Failure to comply will result in nationwide protests and legal actions to protect the rights of Nigerian students.” It read.

NANS PRO called on parents, educators, and civil society organizations to join in resisting the decision, emphasizing that prolonged school closures would negatively impact students’ academic performance.

Recall the governments of the four northern states, Katsina, Kebbi, Kano and Bauchi, had directed all schools, public and private, to proceed on holiday for the whole month of Ramadan when strict fasting is observed by Muslims.

 The state governors’ intention is to ease the academic pressure on students during the holy month, giving them time to focus on their religious obligations without the distraction of schoolwork.

The governments said the holiday is to allow students, teachers and other stakeholders to observe the holy month, which began on March 1st, 2025.