Middle Belt Forum Criticizes School Closures in Northern Sharia States During Ramadan

MBF Condemns School Closures in Northern Nigeria Over Ramadan

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly opposed the decision to shut down both public and private schools in certain Sharia-practicing states in Northern Nigeria during Ramadan.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Mr. Luka Binniyat, the forum described the directive as a setback to education, likening it to the ideology of Boko Haram, which rejects Western education.

The MBF expressed concern that the closure of schools in states like Bauchi, Kano, and Kebbi unfairly affects non-Muslim students.

The forum emphasized that education should not be halted due to religious observances and warned that such actions could further alienate Sharia-practicing states from Nigeria’s secular framework.

“It is deeply unjust that non-Muslim students should experience academic setbacks simply because Muslims in these states are observing Ramadan.

Their counterparts in other parts of the country will continue learning and preparing for national exams,” the statement read.

The MBF called on Nigerians to reject such directives, warning that they could set a dangerous precedent.

As debates on the intersection of religion and education continue, the issue remains a topic of national concern.