The Misplaced Priority of Shutting Down Schools for Ramadan in Northern Nigeria
As Northern Nigeria strives to bridge the educational gap with other regions, it is disheartening to see some of our leaders take decisions that undermine this progress. The recent move to shut down schools for the entire duration of Ramadan is one such decision that raises serious concerns. While Ramadan is a sacred month of heightened worship, self-discipline, and spiritual growth for Muslims, its essence is not served by disrupting the education of millions of children.
Ramadan is not a holiday season; it is a period of devotion, reflection, and self-improvement. It is a time for Muslims to strengthen their faith, cultivate patience, and deepen their knowledge of Islam. However, none of these objectives require the closure of schools. Fasting, the central act of worship during Ramadan, does not preclude other legitimate activities, including education. In fact, Islam places a high premium on seeking knowledge, as evidenced by the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) emphasis on education. Why, then, are we creating a false dichotomy between worship and learning?
The decision to shut down schools affects not only secondary school students but also kindergarten and primary school pupils, most of whom are not even obligated to fast. What purpose does this serve other than to disrupt their academic progress? Northern Nigeria is already grappling with significant educational challenges, including low enrollment rates, poor infrastructure, and a high number of out-of-school children. The COVID-19 pandemic, prolonged teachers’ strikes, and other disruptions have already cost students precious years of learning. This unnecessary closure only exacerbates the region’s educational deficit.
Read Also:
It is worth noting that fasting while attending school is not a new phenomenon. Many of us, including the current governors and policymakers, fasted while pursuing our education without any significant disruption to our academic activities. Why, then, are we imposing this compulsory holiday on today’s students? This decision reeks of populism rather than a genuine commitment to the spiritual or educational well-being of the people. It is a misguided attempt to appear religiously conscientious while ignoring the long-term consequences for the region’s development.
The closure of schools during Ramadan is not rooted in Islamic teachings. Islam encourages balance and does not advocate for the suspension of productive activities, including education, during the holy month. In fact, many Muslim-majority countries around the world continue their educational and economic activities during Ramadan without compromising the spiritual obligations of the month. Why should Northern Nigeria be an exception?
This decision also raises questions about the priorities of our leaders. Instead of addressing the root causes of educational backwardness in the region—such as inadequate funding, poor teacher training, and insecurity—they are introducing policies that further hinder progress. If the goal is to promote religious observance, there are more constructive ways to do so, such as incorporating Islamic education into the school curriculum or organizing after-school religious programs.
It is time for Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, thought leaders, and well-meaning individuals in the North to speak out against this counterproductive policy. They should urge the governors to reconsider their decision and allow schools to remain open during Ramadan. Education is a fundamental right and a critical tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment. We cannot afford to sacrifice it on the altar of misplaced priorities.
Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims, but let us remember that true devotion to God includes seeking knowledge and working toward the betterment of society. Shutting down schools is not the way to achieve this.
Ibrahim Ismaila Ahmed, a journalist writes from Kaduna
