By Abdullahi Alhassan Kaduna
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has thrown its weight behind the decision of some northern state governments to close primary and secondary schools during Ramadan. According to the council, this move prioritizes students' well-being amid extreme heat conditions.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, SCSN dismissed opposition from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and some non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The council insisted that state governments have full authority to determine school schedules, citing the Education Law of January 1, 1964.
"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 emphasized that the temporary closure will not affect academic activities, as lost time will be compensated for by adjusting the long vacation.
SCSN described threats of legal or industrial action over the school closure as unnecessary and an affront to state governments' authority. "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.
The council urged Zamfara, Sokoto, Jigawa, and other states to adopt similar measures, commending the affected state governments for their foresight in prioritizing students' welfare. SCSN also called on all stakeholders to respect state governments' authority and avoid interfering in educational matters that directly impact students and their families.
"It is not the business of CAN or any other external group to dictate to state governments on educational policies. The governors have the exclusive right to set school holidays, except in Kogi State, where the law does not apply," the council stressed.
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