Nigerian Supreme Council For Shari’a Asks More States To Close Down Schools For Ramadan
The council dismissed objections raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and some non-governmental organizations (NGOs), asserting that state governments have the full authority to determine school schedules.
The Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria (SCSN) has endorsed the decision by some state governments to close primary and secondary schools during the month of Ramadan, citing the need to prioritise students’ religious observance and well-being amid extreme heat conditions in parts of northern Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, on Thursday, the council praised states like Zamfara, Sokoto, and Jigawa for their proactive measures and urged other northern states to adopt similar policies.
The SCSN claimed that the move balances students’ health and their ability to observe Ramadan, while ensuring continuous learning through structured adjustments.
The council dismissed objections raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and some non-governmental organizations (NGOs), asserting that state governments have the full authority to determine school schedules.
“This decision ensures continuous learning while preventing students from remaining idle for extended periods. It was carefully reviewed by the respective Ministries of Education and widely welcomed by parents,” the statement read.
The SCSN also criticised threats of legal or industrial action over the school closures, describing such reactions as unnecessary and an affront to the authority of state governments.
“It is baffling that CAN, which remained silent when prolonged ASUU strikes disrupted entire academic sessions, is now opposing a temporary, structured adjustment of just 25 school days,” the council added.
Citing the Education Law of January 1, 1964, the SCSN stressed that state governors have the exclusive right to set school holidays, except in Kogi State, where the law does not apply.
The council reiterated that CAN is not a stakeholder in northern states’ education policies and that no government is obligated to seek external approval before making decisions that impact schools.
The SCSN commended the affected state governments for their foresight in prioritising students’ welfare and called on other northern states to adopt similar measures.
It also urged all stakeholders to respect state governments’ decisions and avoid interfering in policies that directly affect students and their families.
The council’s statement comes amid ongoing debates over the balance between religious observance, educational priorities, and the welfare of students in Nigeria’s diverse socio-cultural landscape.
However, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, condemned the school closures, arguing that they discriminate against Christian students and disrupt academic activities.
He further hinted at possible legal action if the policy was not reversed, emphasising that education is a fundamental right that should not be compromised for religious reasons.
Meanwhile, a SaharaReporter’s review of data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that the four states enforcing school closures already have some of the highest rates of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
According to the NBS Multidimensional Poverty Index, Bauchi State has the highest percentage of children lacking access to education at 54%, followed by Kebbi (45%), Katsina (38%), and Kano (35%). The average for these states stands at 44%, significantly higher than the national average of 34%.
Despite these alarming figures, the Katsina State Hisbah Board, the state’s Islamic morality police, recently issued a circular mandating the closure of all private schools during Ramadan. Signed by Hisbah Commandant General Aminu Usman and dated February 27, 2025, the directive warned of consequences for non-compliance.
“In accordance with the Katsina State Government’s directive, all private schools are required to close during the Ramadan period to allow pupils to fully observe the holy month,” the statement had read.
