The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has responded to the Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) criticism of the decision by four Northern states—Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi to extend school closures for Ramadan.......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, accused CAN of interfering in Muslim affairs and applying double standards when addressing issues concerning the Islamic community.
CAN had earlier condemned the move, arguing that it unfairly targeted Christian students and disrupted their education. The association warned that it might consider legal action if the policy was not reversed.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, emphasized the importance of uninterrupted education, stating, “Education is a fundamental right and a pillar of societal progress. The decision to shut down schools, from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period disrupts academic activities and affects the future of millions of students.”
In response, MURIC issued a statement on Monday, March 3, 2025, dismissing CAN’s stance as unwarranted interference.
“MURIC is baffled by CAN’s continuous intrusion into issues that are strictly Islamic. Ramadan is a Muslim religious practice and has no bearing on any other faith. CAN should refrain from interfering,” the statement read.
The organization also highlighted the demographic composition of the affected states, arguing that the policy aligns with the will of the majority population.
“Muslims form an overwhelming majority in these states, and in a democratic society like Nigeria, it is only fair that policies reflect the preferences of the majority. These states have simply granted their citizens what they desire most, in line with the principle of ‘the greatest happiness for the greatest number.’”
MURIC further accused CAN of hypocrisy, arguing that while the association actively defends Christian minorities in the North, it allegedly ignores instances where Muslim communities face discrimination in other regions.
“CAN thrives on double standards. It turns a blind eye when the rights of Muslim majorities in Southwestern Nigeria are suppressed, yet it suddenly becomes a champion of fairness when Christian minorities in the North are involved,” the statement asserted.
MURIC also questioned the legitimacy of CAN’s complaints, asking, “How exactly have the rights of Christian students been violated? Were they told they would not be allowed to resume after Ramadan? Were they assigned special tasks during the break?
The group further asked CAN to stop playing God in the affairs of Muslims.
“What exactly is CAN’s grievance? It should stop trying to dictate matters concerning the Muslim community.”