The Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria (SCSN) has backed the decision of some northern state governments to close primary and secondary schools during Ramadan, citing student welfare and extreme weather conditions.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, the council urged other states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, and Jigawa, to adopt similar measures, emphasizing that the move prioritizes both religious observance and students’ health.
Defending the Decision
The council dismissed concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and some NGOs, asserting that state governments have full authority over school schedules.
“This decision was carefully reviewed by the Ministries of Education and widely welcomed by parents. It ensures that students continue learning while avoiding prolonged idleness,” the statement read.
SCSN also criticized threats of legal action over the closures, arguing that such opposition undermines state governments’ authority.
“It is surprising that CAN, which remained silent during prolonged ASUU strikes that disrupted entire academic sessions, is now opposing a temporary, structured adjustment of just 25 school days,” the council added.
Legal Backing for School Closures
Referencing the Education Law of January 1, 1964, the council stated that governors have the exclusive right to set school holidays, except in Kogi State, where the law does not apply.
SCSN insisted that CAN is not a stakeholder in northern education policies and that no government is obligated to seek external approval before making decisions about school schedules.
Call for Respect and Compliance
The council commended affected state governments for prioritizing students’ well-being and urged other northern states to follow suit.
It further called on all stakeholders to respect government decisions and refrain from interfering in policies that directly impact students and their families.
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