Criticism Over School Closures During Ramadan in Northern Nigeria

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore criticized northern Nigerian leaders for shutting down schools during Ramadan, arguing they deny education to economically disadvantaged children while sending their own to elite institutions. His remarks follow condemnation from Minister of State Suwaiba Ahmad. Critics assert this move exacerbates illiteracy rates in northern states, where out-of-school percentages are high.

Recent school closures during Ramadan in Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states have ignited criticism from former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. He has accused northern leaders of hypocrisy, asserting that they do not face the repercussions of their actions, particularly as their children attend elite educational institutions abroad or in Abuja. This decision, according to Sowore, denies education to less privileged children, emphasizing the leaders’ irresponsibility.

Sowore’s remarks followed a condemnation by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, who pointed out that there is no mandate for school closures during Ramadan. She referenced Muslim-majority nations such as Saudi Arabia, where schools operate normally during the fasting period. This raises questions about the rationale behind closing schools in Nigeria, a secular state.

He denounced the governors’ actions as “ignorant” and “idiotic,” questioning the intersection of religion and education. Sowore argued that under his future presidency, religious policies would not influence governance, stating, “When I become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the states will have no business with religion.”

Amidst mounting criticism, advocates for education have highlighted the adverse impact these closures have on northern children, where illiteracy rates are already alarmingly high. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the affected states feature significant out-of-school youth, especially with Bauchi leading at 54%.

The Katsina State government has maintained its stance by extending the school shutdown to private institutions and warned of penalties for violations. Critics, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), labeled the school closures as discriminatory and detrimental to educational access.

The decision by northern Nigerian leaders to close schools during Ramadan has sparked intense criticism, particularly from human rights activist Omoyele Sowore. He claims that this action unjustly affects poor children while leaders send their own to elite schools using public funds. The controversy raises significant concerns about educational access and the intersection of religion and governance in a secular state. Education advocates continue to call for reconsideration of these policies to prevent further marginalization of vulnerable populations.

Original Source: saharareporters.com