The Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria ,SCSN, has supported the decision of some state governments to close primary and secondary schools during Ramadan.
The council cited concerns for students’ health due to extreme heat conditions in northern regions.
In a statement by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, the council encouraged states like Zamfara, Sokoto, and Jigawa to adopt similar measures, emphasizing that the decision prioritizes the well-being of students and their religious practices.
The SCSN rejected objections from the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and certain non-governmental organizations, affirming that state governments hold the authority to determine school schedules.
“This decision ensures that students can continue learning without prolonged idle periods, and it was thoroughly reviewed by the Ministries of Education and widely supported by parents,” the statement explained.
The council also criticized the threat of legal or industrial action against the school closures, calling such reactions unnecessary and disrespectful to the authority of state governments.
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“It is puzzling that CAN, which remained silent during lengthy ASUU strikes that disrupted entire academic years, is now opposing a temporary adjustment of only 25 school days,” the SCSN added.
Referencing the Education Law of January 1, 1964, the council pointed out that state governors have the sole authority to set school holidays, with the exception of Kogi State, where the law does not apply.
The SCSN emphasized that CAN is not a stakeholder in education policies in northern states and that no government is required to seek outside approval before making decisions affecting schools.
The council praised the affected state governments for their foresight in safeguarding students’ welfare and called on other northern states to implement similar measures.
It further urged all stakeholders to respect the decisions of state governments and avoid interfering with policies that directly impact students and their families.
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