The decision by the governors of Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi states to close schools during the holy month of Ramadan has drawn harsh criticism from the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), which claims that it puts the future of millions of children in danger.
Comrade Muhammad Ishaq, the party’s national publicity secretary, issued a statement on Friday expressing the party’s “profound disappointment and concern” at what it called an unwarranted disturbance to the academic calendar.
“This decision disrupts the educational programme of our children and undermines their right to quality education,” the statement reads.
The PRP particularly questioned why Governors with advanced degrees, including Katsina Governor, Dikko Radda, who holds a PhD in Agriculture and Rural Sociology, and Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who has a PhD in Education, would endorse such a policy.
“How can a state led by such a learned individual decide that the best way to move forward is to lock the doors of learning during a time of fasting?” the party inquired, claiming that the action was contradictory and cast doubt on their dedication to advancement.
The party further noted that when these officials were younger, they went to school during Ramadan without any problems.
“Historically, during their own time in secondary school, these leaders experienced uninterrupted learning during Ramadan,” the PRP pointed out that the decision to close schools is harmful and inconsistent.
The PRP claims that states like Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi already have high rates of children who are not in school, with an average of 44%, which is far higher than the national average.
The party cautioned that more school closures would make matters worse, particularly in light of the area’s dismal results on national exams.
“Closing schools during Ramadan only deepens this crisis and threatens the educational advancement of millions of students,” the statement said
The PRP highlighted that spirituality and education can coexist while appreciating the importance of Ramadan, citing Islamic countries as examples.
“Many Islamic nations, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, manage to balance educational needs with religious observance during this holy month by adapting school schedules rather than closing them entirely,” the party argued.
In order to find a more balanced solution, the PRP urged the Governors to reevaluate their choice and consult with interested parties.
To reconsider their choice and look at alternatives that meet the requirements of Muslim kids while guaranteeing that education goes on, the statement called on them to “engage constructively with parents, educators, and civil society organizations.”
In a last appeal, the party called for a renewed commitment to education-protective policies and an immediate reversal of the school closures.
“It is time for the governors to stop playing politics with the futures of our children and instead commit to creating pathways for success through uninterrupted education,” the statement concluded.
