Islam does not mandate closure of schools during fasting – Minister

Islam does not mandate closure of schools during fasting – Minister

The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, has urged the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to reconsider their decision to shut down state-owned schools for the Ramadan fast, stating that no Muslim-majority country follows such a practice.Ahmad, speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, emphasized that keeping schools open during Ramadan is a standard practice even in countries where Islam is the dominant religion.“In each state, the education system is under the state level, and they have the right to make decisions. However, we can only engage them and present our position on the matter,” she said.She further argued that Islamic teachings do not mandate the closure of schools during fasting.“Even in countries recognized as Muslim nations, like Saudi Arabia, schools remain open during Ramadan. There is nowhere it is written that you must shut down schools because of fasting,” she stressed.The minister also referenced Islamic history to support her stance.“The Prophet (S.A.W) even went to war during Ramadan, so it is not something that should hinder education,” she noted.Ahmad expressed concern over the academic time lost due to the closures and revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education is engaging with the affected states to discuss the matter.“What about the period that will be lost? This is something we are looking into as we continue discussions with the state governments,” she said.The decision by these northern states to shut down schools for Ramadan has stirred debates, with many education stakeholders questioning its necessity.Recall that association like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has argued that the closure of schools for five weeks in the region with high-level poverty and illiteracy was counterproductive, discriminatory and a violation of the rights of non-Muslim students living in the affected states.Also, the National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, in a statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, described the closure of schools as an infringement on the right of every student to uninterrupted education.Meanwhile,  The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has defended the decision by some Northern states governments to close primary and secondary schools during Ramadan, saying they prioritise students’ well-being amid extreme heat conditions.

Source: Islam does not mandate closure of schools during fasting – Minister

 - NigerianEye

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