Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, has urged the governments of some Northern states to rethink a policy of shutting down schools for the duration of this year’s Muslim fasting at Ramadan.
Concerned over the academic time lost due to the closures, Ahmad revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education was engaging with the affected states to discuss the matter and explore possible alternatives.
Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states have shut down schools for the duration of the Ramadan fasting.
Ahmad pointed out that no Muslim-majority country enforced such a practice.
Speaking on Channels Television, she said that keeping schools open during Ramadan was standard practice, even in countries where Islam was the dominant religion.
“In each state, the education system is under state jurisdiction, and they have the right to make decisions,” she said.
“However, we can only engage them and present our position on the matter.”
The Minister further clarified that Islamic teachings did not mandate the closure of schools during fasting.
She cited countries like Saudi Arabia, where schools remained open during Ramadan, despite being home to Islam’s holiest sites.
“There is nowhere it is written that you must shut down schools because of fasting,” Ahmad emphasised, stressing that religious observance should not interfere with education.
Ahmad also referenced Islamic history to back her stance.
“The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) went to war during Ramadan, so fasting was never an obstacle to fulfilling duties or engaging in significant activities,” she noted. “This historical example illustrates that fasting during Ramadan does not prevent people from engaging in essential functions, including education.”
Ahmad contended that the closure of schools during Ramadan is unnecessary and counterproductive, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s already strained education system.
“What about the period that will be lost? This is something we are looking into as we continue discussions with the state governments,” she said. The extended break could further exacerbate existing challenges, including overcrowded classrooms and gaps in learning, particularly in northern states where educational standards remain a significant issue.
The decision by the Northern states to shut down schools for Ramadan has stirred considerable debate, with many education stakeholders questioning its necessity.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised concerns, arguing that the closure of schools for five weeks in these regions could be counterproductive, discriminatory, and potentially violate the rights of non-Muslim students living in the affected states.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) issued a statement condemning the school closures, describing them as an infringement on the right of every student to uninterrupted education.
“Every student deserves the right to an education without unnecessary disruption,” said Samson Adeyemi, NANS’ National Public Relations Officer.
The association called on the governments of the affected states to reconsider the decision, emphasizing the long-term implications of lost academic time.
However, the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has defended the decision to close primary and secondary schools during Ramadan, citing the extreme heat conditions often experienced in northern Nigeria during the month.
The council argued that the welfare of students, particularly their health and safety during fasting, must be prioritized.
