The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, has urged the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to reconsider their decision to shut down state-owned schools for the duration of Ramadan.
Ahmad argued that no Muslim-majority country enforces such a practice, suggesting that it is neither a religious requirement nor a beneficial policy.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, she emphasized that keeping schools open during Ramadan is a standard practice, even in countries where Islam is 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 do not mandate the closure of schools during fasting.
She cited countries like Saudi Arabia, where schools remain 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 emphasized, 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.
Expressing concern over the academic time lost due to the closures, Ahmad revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education is engaging with the affected states to discuss the matter and explore possible alternatives.
“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.
Critics argue that the closure may have negative consequences on the quality of education, particularly in regions already grappling with high levels of poverty and illiteracy.
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.
CAN further highlighted that such a measure could deepen existing educational inequalities, particularly among vulnerable groups who may already struggle to access quality education.
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