Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, Executive Director of Patriots for Advancement of Peace and Social Development, has criticised the closure of schools in some northern Nigerian states during Ramadan, describing the decision as unjustifiable and detrimental to education.
“If a state’s academic calendar naturally aligns with Ramadan, as in the case of Zamfara, where the second term concluded just as Ramadan began, that is understandable. However, closing schools solely for Ramadan is unjustifiable.”
Speaking on Arise News on Thursday, Shinkafi aligned himself with those opposing the measure, arguing that education should not be sacrificed for religious observances. He cited Islamic teachings that emphasise the importance of education for both male and female Muslims, stating that even in Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations, schools remain open during Ramadan, with only slight adjustments to school hours.
“I am not in support of what the Kebbi state government did, nor the decisions of Katsina, Kano, and Bauchi states. It is very wrong. They are dragging the educational sector backward,” Shinkafi added.
He pointed out that insecurity in states like Katsina and Kebbi should make continuous schooling even more crucial, rather than shutting down schools for five weeks. He noted that Zamfara, a state heavily affected by insecurity, has not implemented such a policy and has continued its academic calendar without interruption.
Reacting to the statement by the Minister of State for Education, Said Ahmad, who said the federal government could only appeal to the governors on the matter, Shinkafi insisted that education should not be undermined. He suggested that civil society groups and legal avenues could be used to challenge the decision, stressing that the federal government has a role to play in ensuring that education is prioritised.
“It is a serious issue. Education should not be sacrificed for religious reasons. The federal government may not have direct control over state education policies, but there are legal and institutional mechanisms to address this. If the federal government makes a strong case for education, pressure from civil society groups and legal action can compel these states to reconsider their decisions.”
Shinkafi also criticised the Kano State government for following the same approach, recalling that Kano once won a UNESCO Literacy Award in 1983 under Governor Abubakar Rimi. He described the decision as a failure of leadership, arguing that a capable governor must prioritise education to foster societal development and reduce insecurity and poverty.
“Closing schools can increase social vices. Instead of going to school, children will be idle and may engage in crime or other harmful activities. The governor should rescind this decision. He should take a cue from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and other Islamic nations where schools remain open during Ramadan,” he said.
Addressing constitutional concerns, Shinkafi argued that the closures violated Sections 38 and 10 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and declare Nigeria a secular state. He highlighted that Christian students also attend these schools, making the decision an infringement on their fundamental rights.
He called on state governors to study the Nigerian Constitution thoroughly to avoid making decisions that attract public criticism, adding,
“As a Muslim, I strongly believe that if Islamic teachings originate from Saudi Arabia, there is no justification for these states to close schools for Ramadan. Saudi Arabia does not do this, so why should we?”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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