FG Engaging Govts To Reopen Schools Shut For Ramadan – Minister

FG Engaging Govts To Reopen Schools Shut For Ramadan – Minister

The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, has called on the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to reconsider their decisions to close state-owned schools during Ramadan.

In an interview, Ahmad expressed concerns that valuable learning time would be lost if schools remained shut for the duration of the fasting period.

She explained that the Federal Ministry of Education has already begun discussions with the four state governments in an effort to reopen schools. However, she acknowledged that the federal government has no authority over state-run schools.

The closure of schools in these predominantly Muslim northern states has sparked outrage, with many criticizing the move. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has argued that closing schools for five weeks in regions already grappling with high levels of poverty and illiteracy is both counterproductive and discriminatory. CAN further stated that the decision infringes on the rights of non-Muslim students living in the affected states.

Additionally, the Christian body warned that the closure would exacerbate Nigeria’s ongoing educational crisis. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as of 2024, Nigeria has approximately 18.3 million out-of-school children.