Omoyele Sowore criticizes northern Nigerian leaders for closing schools during Ramadan while sending their children to elite institutions abroad. He highlights their irresponsibility and points out that such decisions further marginalize less fortunate children in the region. The Minister of State for Education has also condemned the closures, advocating for school operations even during fasting periods, as seen in other Muslim-majority countries. The debate highlights concerns over educational access and the influence of religion on governance in Nigeria.
Recent decisions by the leaders of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to close schools during Ramadan have drawn significant criticism from human rights activist Omoyele Sowore. He asserts that these leaders, who impose such measures, do not personally face the repercussions of their choices, as they send their children to elite private institutions, often funded by resources intended for public education.
Sowore characterized these leaders as “irresponsible and wicked,” arguing that their children attend high-quality schools while the less fortunate are deprived of educational opportunities. This sentiment was echoed by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, who expressed her disapproval of the school closures, stating, “nowhere is it stated that schools must be closed for fasting,” highlighting that even countries like Saudi Arabia keep educational institutions operational during Ramadan.
In his comments, Sowore emphasized, “Those ignoramuses who decided to shut down schools during Ramadan Fasting do not have their own children enrolled in these economically disadvantaged public schools.” He condemned the decision as detrimental, especially at a time when northern children already face challenges related to high illiteracy rates, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics, which indicates that Bauchi leads with the highest number of out-of-school children at 54%.
Sowore further criticized the rationale behind closing schools for religious observances, questioning the appropriateness of interjecting religious practices into educational governance in a secular nation. He expressed his disapproval of such policies and assured that, should he ascend to the presidency, he would eliminate the influence of religion on state governance.
Additionally, the Christian Association of Nigeria has condemned the closures as discriminatory. Despite the backlash, the Katsina State government has reaffirmed its decision by extending the shutdown to private schools, suggesting that non-compliance will face serious repercussions.
The closure of schools during Ramadan in northern Nigeria has provoked strong opposition, particularly from Omoyele Sowore, who argues that the leaders responsible do not face the same challenges as the disadvantaged children affected by these decisions. Critics, including education advocates and religious organizations, have voiced concerns over the implications of these closures on access to education and equity. The situation continues to raise questions about the intersection of religion and governance in Nigeria’s educational policies.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
