Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, has expressed concerns over the recent decision by some northern states to close schools during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. In a statement released earlier today, the Minister criticized the move, emphasizing that even Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, did not suspend schooling during Ramadan.
"While we understand the significance of Ramadan and the need for observance, closing schools during this period is counterproductive to the education of our children," said Mallam Adamu Adamu. "Education is an essential pillar of our development, and such actions disrupt the learning process for students at a critical time in their academic year."
The Minister further pointed out that other countries with large Muslim populations, including Saudi Arabia, maintain regular school schedules during Ramadan, offering shorter class hours or adjustments in scheduling to accommodate fasting students. He stressed that these measures allow students to balance religious observance with their educational responsibilities.
"Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam and a nation that holds Ramadan in the highest regard, does not close schools during this period. Instead, they adapt their schedules to ensure that students can continue their education without disruption. This is the approach we should emulate," he added.
Mallam Adamu also highlighted the long-term impact that disruptions in the school calendar could have on students’ academic progress. The extended closure of schools in certain northern states, he argued, further compounds the challenges faced by the education system in Nigeria, particularly in rural and underserved areas where educational opportunities are already limited.
The Minister urged state governments to reconsider their decisions and work with educational authorities to find more effective ways of accommodating fasting students without compromising their education. He called for a balanced approach that ensures students can observe Ramadan while maintaining their academic responsibilities.