The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN), has defended the decision by some northern state governments to close primary and secondary schools during Ramadan, saying it prioritizes students’ well-being amid extreme heat conditions.
The Council also urged Zamfara, Sokoto, Jigawa, and other states to adopt similar measures.
In a statement issued by it’s Secretary-General Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, SCSN dismissed criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and certain NGOs, noting that state governments have the constitutional authority to set school calendars.
“This decision ensures continuous learning while preventing students from remaining idle for extended periods. It was carefully reviewed by the respective Ministries of Education and widely welcomed by parents,” the statement read.
The council rejected threats of legal or industrial action over the closures, describing them unnecessary and disrespectful to state authorities.
“It is baffling that CAN, which remained silent when prolonged ASUU strikes disrupted entire academic sessions, is now opposing a temporary, structured adjustment of just 25 school days,” the council added.
While quoting the Education Law of January 1, 1964, SCSN reaffirmed that governors have the legal right to determine school holidays, except in Kogi State, where the law does not apply.
The council further argued that CAN is not a direct stakeholder in northern education policies and that state governments are not required to seek external approval for such decisions.
Also, commending state leaders for prioritizing student well-being, SCSN called on other northern states to consider similar adjustments and urged stakeholders to respect government authority in educational matters.