₦airaland Forum

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 [b]Political Paradigm, she emphasized that keeping schools open during Ramadan is a standard practice, even in countries where Islam is the dominant religion.
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"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.

Similarly, 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.

On the other hand, 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.

While the debate continues, it is clear that the issue raises broader questions about the balance between religious observance, educational access, and the practical needs of students. As the discussions continue, the hope remains that a solution can be reached that respects both religious practices and the right of every child to a full and uninterrupted education.

jayp92:
https://dailypost.ng/2025/03/11/islam-does-not-mandate-closure-of-schools-during-fasting-minister/

femi4:
Tell them o

Awọn a gba were mọ ẹsin

mrvitalis:
It's not about islam is about subjugation of minorities around them

I can bet my balls if core North gets independent as a country they would end Sharia within 5 years

CAN Exhibiting Double Standards Over Ramadan School Closures — MURIC
“Did those state governments threaten not to allow them to resume after Ramadan?

“Were the Christian students asked to come to school every day during Ramadan to sweep and clean the classrooms?

papyjaypaul:
It's always this division and division. It makes the world boring.

If MURIC is not being mischievous, show us where Muslims are told to close schools or stop work because of Ramadan. Even the day they pray on Friday, they are told to stop all trade before their prayer and continue after it. This laziness we are breeding is an idle mind that will be the devil's workshop. Only in this part of Africa that people want to worship 24/7 and do no work in the name of religion. You can now see why those people who criticize foreign religions know what they are saying. It is not in our DNA to be lazy because we want to worship.


This is an abuse of religion by the Governors and maybe it has political undertone (2027) as they are selective in what they want to do. When you ask them if they have given the people basic infrastructure and service, dem go explain tire. Very pathetic.