NIGERIA – The Federal Government has directed the governors of Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi states to reopen schools that were shut for Ramadan, arguing that there is no religious justification for the closures.
Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, criticized the decision, warning that prolonged school closures would worsen Nigeria’s education crisis. She emphasized that even in Saudi Arabia, an Islamic nation, schools remain open during Ramadan.
While recognizing state autonomy in education, Ahmad stressed that shutting schools during Ramadan is unnecessary, especially given Nigeria’s high rate of out-of-school children. According to UNICEF, 18.3 million Nigerian children are not in school, with Bauchi (54%), Kebbi (45%), Katsina (38%), and Kano (35%) among the states with the highest dropout rates.
Meanwhile, in contrast to school closures, Jigawa State opted for a different approach by reducing civil servants’ working hours to six hours during Ramadan.
The directive has sparked debates, with some Islamic groups advocating for similar policies in other northern states, while education experts warn against further disruptions to learning.
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
