Northern states close schools for ramadan, SCSN backs move

DDM News

The Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria (SCSN) has defended the decision to close schools during Ramadan in some states.

The council stated that the closure prioritizes students’ well-being, particularly as extreme heat affects parts of northern Nigeria.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed a statement, SCSN urged states like Zamfara, Sokoto, and Jigawa to implement similar measures for students’ health.

The council emphasized that the temporary closure ensures students do not remain idle while accommodating religious and climatic concerns.

SCSN stated that the Ministries of Education carefully reviewed the decision before approval and implementation in affected states.

Parents have widely supported the school closure, viewing it as beneficial for their children’s health and religious observance.

SCSN Criticizes Opposition to School Closure

SCSN dismissed threats of legal or industrial action against the decision, describing them as unnecessary and politically motivated.

The council specifically criticized the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for opposing the school closure decision in northern states.

SCSN noted that CAN did not object to prolonged ASUU strikes, which disrupted entire academic sessions in Nigerian universities.

“It is baffling that CAN remained silent during ASUU strikes but now opposes a structured 25-day school adjustment,” SCSN stated.

The council accused CAN of attempting to undermine state governments’ authority over education policies in their respective jurisdictions.

SCSN reaffirmed that education remains under state governments’ control, allowing them to determine school schedules without external interference.

Legal Justification for School Closures

SCSN cited the Education Law enacted on January 1, 1964, which grants state governors the power to set school holidays.

The council clarified that this law applies to all Nigerian states except Kogi, where different regulations govern school schedules.

SCSN stated that state governments do not require external approval when making educational decisions affecting schools in their respective states.

The council insisted that CAN is not a stakeholder in education policies concerning northern states and should not interfere.

SCSN argued that the decision aligns with both educational and religious priorities for Muslim students in affected states.

The council called on critics to respect state governments’ decisions and avoid unnecessary conflicts over temporary school adjustments.

SCSN Supports State Governments’ Decision

SCSN commended state governments for prioritizing students’ health and ensuring a balance between education and religious obligations.

The council urged other northern states to consider similar policies to safeguard students’ well-being during Ramadan.

SCSN emphasized that preventing children from facing extreme weather conditions during fasting is a responsible and necessary action.

The council highlighted that ensuring students’ well-being should remain a priority over political or religious disagreements on policy decisions.

SCSN called for unity and cooperation among education stakeholders to support state policies that protect students from hardship.

The council assured the public that the temporary closure does not halt education but only restructures school schedules for students’ benefit.

Appeal for Stakeholder Cooperation

SCSN urged religious and educational organizations to avoid politicizing decisions that primarily focus on students’ health and well-being.

The council encouraged parents and communities to support state governments’ initiatives that safeguard children from extreme weather conditions.

SCSN stated that policies ensuring students’ well-being should not be subjected to unnecessary opposition or political interference.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments to develop policies that balance education and religious obligations.

SCSN concluded by urging stakeholders to respect decisions made in the best interests of students and their families.

The council emphasized that maintaining students’ health during Ramadan aligns with broader efforts to ensure a conducive learning environment.

With these statements, SCSN reinforced its position that the temporary school closures are necessary and beneficial for students.

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