By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, has called on the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to reconsider their decision to close public schools during Ramadan.
She stated that no Muslim-majority nation follows such a practice.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Ahmad emphasized that even in countries where Islam is the dominant religion, schools remain open during the fasting period.
“In each state, the education system is under the state level, and they have the right to make decisions. However, we can only engage them and present our position on the matter,” she said.
She further argued that Islamic teachings do not require schools to be closed for fasting.
“Even in countries recognized as Muslim nations, like Saudi Arabia, schools remain open during Ramadan. There is nowhere it is written that you must shut down schools because of fasting,” she stressed.
To support her argument, she referenced Islamic history.
“The Prophet (S.A.W) even went to war during Ramadan, so it is not something that should hinder education,” she noted.
Ahmad expressed concern over the academic time lost due to the closures.
She also revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education is engaging with the affected states to address the issue.
“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 decision to close schools for Ramadan has sparked debates among education stakeholders.
Some argue that it is unnecessary, especially in regions already struggling with high levels of poverty and illiteracy.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticized the move, describing it as discriminatory and a violation of the rights of non-Muslim students in the affected states.
Similarly, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), through its National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, has condemned the decision, calling it an infringement on students’ right to uninterrupted education.
However, the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has defended the action taken by some northern state governments.