By Palang Paul
The decision by four northern Nigerian states—Kebbi, Katsina, Bauchi, and Kano—to close schools during Ramadan has ignited a heated debate, drawing criticism from education advocates and supporters of religious freedom.
Education is a fundamental right, and any policy that limits access to learning must be scrutinized
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has since called upon other states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, and Jigawa, to adopt similar measures, intensifying the controversy over the balance between religious observance and access to education.
The closures, which impact millions of students, have raised serious concerns about potential disruptions to academic progress and the long-term consequences for educational development.
Critics argue that while religious observances like Ramadan hold significant value, shutting down schools for an entire month could undermine students’ learning outcomes.
“Education is a fundamental right, and any policy that limits access to learning must be scrutinized,” stated Lawrence Zongo, a representative from Generation NEXT, the youth arm of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable (IRF) global movement.
“While we acknowledge the importance of Ramadan, such measures could set a troubling precedent in a nation that prides itself on religious diversity.”
The endorsement of the closures by the Supreme Council for Shariah, along with its appeal to other northern states, has fueled the debate over the role of religion in shaping public policy, especially in education.
The Northern Elders Forum has expressed support for the measure, emphasizing the need to align education with religious practices. In contrast, the Arewa Youth Consultative Council has downplayed any negative impact on students’ academic progress.
However, advocates for education and religious freedom warn that this policy could exacerbate existing educational inequalities in northern Nigeria, a region already facing low literacy rates, inadequate infrastructure, and security challenges.
Parents and educators are urging the government to reconsider the decision and explore alternative solutions that would respect Ramadan while safeguarding students’ educational rights. Suggestions such as flexible school hours, optional attendance, or remote learning during Ramadan have been proposed to mitigate the impact on students’ academic performance.
As the discussion continues, civil society organizations and education advocates are calling for a more inclusive approach to education—one that ensures no child is left behind.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has revealed that the Federal Government is actively engaging with state governors to reopen schools that were recently shut down.
