A contentious debate has erupted in Nigeria over the decision by four northern states – Kebbi, Katsina, Bauchi, and Kano – to close schools for five weeks during the Ramadan period.
The move has sparked criticism from education stakeholders, who argue that it will negatively impact students.
The decision to close schools was made to accommodate Muslim students who are fasting during the Ramadan period. The states’ governments argued that the closures would allow students to focus on their religious obligations without the added burden of academic responsibilities.
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has urged other states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Jigawa, to adopt similar measures. The council’s Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, emphasized that governors have the authority to determine school schedules and that the closures prioritize students’ well-being amid extreme heat conditions.
However, not everyone agrees with the decision. The Executive Director of the Civil Liberty Organisation (Northern region), Steve Aluko, argued that school closures are not in line with the tradition of fasting. He emphasized that education is a form of work and that closing schools would jeopardize students’ interests and enrollment.
Some have suggested alternative solutions, such as shortening school hours instead of closing schools entirely. The Chairman of the Hausa Christian Development Initiative, Daniel Musa, argued that reducing instruction time, even by a small amount, could significantly impact academic performance.
Youth leaders in the region have also weighed in on the issue. Umar Abubakar, a youth leader in Kebbi State, condemned the school closures, saying they would affect the education of children. Bako Yahaya, a youth leader from Katsina State, described the closures as a setback and urged the government to focus on combating the issue of out-of-school children in the North.
The decision to close schools has significant implications for the education sector in Nigeria. It may lead to:
– *Loss of learning time*: The five-week closure will result in a significant loss of learning time for students, which may impact their academic performance.
– *Disruption of academic calendar*: The closure will disrupt the academic calendar, which may affect the timing of exams and other important academic events.
– *Increased burden on students*: The closure may place an additional burden on students, particularly those who are preparing for important exams.
The debate over school closures during Ramadan highlights the complex interplay between religion, education, and governance in Nigeria. While some argue that the closures are necessary to accommodate Muslim students, others contend that they will have negative consequences for students and the education system as a whole. Ultimately, the decision to close schools must be made with careful consideration of the potential impacts on students and the education sector.