The Catholic Bishops under the umbrella of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for the reopening of schools shut by some state governments due to the ongoing Ramadan fast.
Four states of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano shut down state-owned schools for the Ramadan.
In a communique from the CBCN 2025 first plenary meeting, signed by the its President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru, the group urged the governments of the affected states to withdraw the order in the light of the rights of the children to education and the multi-religious nature of our society.
“We demand that those governments that ordered the closure of all schools in some parts of the country, withdraw such order in the light of the rights of the children to education and the multi-religious nature of our society,” Iwejuru said.
“We, as Church, promote integral education, health care and agriculture for individual and national development, and we require the enabling environment to play these roles among others.”
Iwejuru appealed to political, religious and traditional leaders to promote the spirit of national integration in the citizenry in order to instil hope and development.
He advised Nigerians to refuse to be cowed to silence and helplessness, but rather insist always on doing the right thing and having it done.
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Iwejuru noted that the country is still facing some serious challenges bordering on harsh socio-economic situations, persistent insecurity across the nation, rising youth unemployment and restiveness.
“There is a high cost of food and other essential commodities. Cases of kidnapping and the mindless killing of innocent people still abound. We invite all to always pursue actions that make for unity and national integration,” he said.
Iwejuru observed that Nigeria has started witnessing some positive development in recent times, including the reinvigoration of the petroleum industry, the rehabilitation of some dilapidated roads and the construction of new ones across the nation.
“The introduction of the student loan scheme, the new minimum wage, and the reduction in the debt service-to-revenue ratio, as well as the proposal for new tax regime.”
He commended the cheering strides made by governments at various levels to promote agriculture, and equally appreciated the efforts of some security operatives, who often put their lives on the line to fight the criminality and put an end to their savagery.
Iwejuru emphasised the need to strengthen the electoral laws and ensure sincere execution of duties by state agents, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the courts in order to restore trust in the electoral system.
