Criticism Mounts Against School Closures in Northern Nigeria During Ramadan
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore criticized northern Nigerian leaders for closing schools during Ramadan, claiming they send their children to elite institutions abroad using public funds. He described this move as detrimental to economically disadvantaged students, particularly amidst rising illiteracy rates in the region. Education Minister Suwaiba Ahmad condemned the decision, advocating for continuous school operations, even during religious periods.
In a critical stance, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the decision by leaders in Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to close schools during Ramadan. Sowore argued that these leaders inflict no real consequences on themselves, as they send their children to elite private institutions both domestically and abroad, funded by resources intended for public education for economically disadvantaged Nigerians.
Sowore described the northern leaders as “irresponsible and wicked,” highlighting the disparity facing impoverished students who are denied educational opportunities. This criticism follows comments from Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, who condemned the school closures, stating there is no requirement for schools to close during the fasting period, citing that even in predominantly Muslim nations like Saudi Arabia, schools remain operational.
On his verified X account, Sowore labelled those who support school closures as “ignorant” and stated that their own children do not attend under-resourced public schools. He emphasized that their funding is misappropriated, often benefiting private educational institutions, rather than supporting the education of less privileged children attending neglected public schools.
The outcry over the closures has heightened, with education advocates noting that such measures exacerbate the existing illiteracy crisis in the north, where states like Bauchi have alarming rates of out-of-school children. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Bauchi leads with 54% of its children not in school.
Sowore further criticized the religious imposition on education policy in a secular state, questioning why Nigeria would suspend schooling over fasting when other Muslim countries do not do the same. He assured that if he were to become President, he would eliminate religious considerations from educational governance, stating that schools should remain open regardless of religious observances.
Critics, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, have condemned the school closure decision as discriminatory. Contrarily, the Katsina State government reaffirmed its stance by extending the closure to private schools and threatened repercussions for non-compliance, reflecting a firm commitment to its initial decision.
The closure of schools in northern Nigeria during Ramadan has sparked significant criticism from various stakeholders, including activist Sowore and the Minister of State for Education. The decision was deemed irresponsible as it disproportionately affects economically disadvantaged children. Advocates argue that maintaining educational operations during religious observances, as seen in countries like Saudi Arabia, could help mitigate the already high rates of illiteracy in the region. The situation illustrates a broader challenge of integrating education policies without discrimination in a religiously diverse nation.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
