The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has expressed support for the decision by some northern governors to shut down primary and secondary schools during the Ramadan fasting period, citing concerns over students’ well-being amid extreme heat conditions.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna, the council’s Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, defended the closures as a necessary step to protect students.
He also criticized organizations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, for opposing the move.
“The threats of legal or industrial action over the closures are unnecessary,” Baba-Ahmad said. “CAN opposed a structured 25-day adjustment but remained silent during prolonged ASUU strikes.”
According to him, the decision, which was reviewed by the Ministries of Education, has been widely accepted by parents.
He assured that the lost academic time could be recovered by adjusting the long vacation.
“The closure is only temporary and will not disrupt academic activities,” he stated.
Baba-Ahmad further cited the Education Law of January 1, 1964, asserting that state governors have the authority to determine school holiday schedules, except in Kogi State.
He stressed that state governments are not obligated to seek approval from external groups when making educational policy decisions.
Commending the affected states for prioritizing students’ welfare, he urged other northern states to consider similar policies.
“We appeal to organizations to respect state governments’ authority and refrain from interfering in matters that concern students,” he added.
