By Maryam Diallo
Press release by supreme council for shariah in Nigeria
The Excesses of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN): Clarifying the Rationale for School Closures During Ramadan
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) commends the decision of several state governments to adjust their academic calendars by temporarily closing primary and secondary schools during the Ramadan period. This decision, which was carefully reviewed by the respective Ministries of Education, prioritizes the well-being of students, teachers, and parents, addressing the challenges posed by extreme heat conditions during fasting.
It is important to emphasize that this adjustment does not result in any loss of academic days. Instead, the school term has been restructured to make up for the closure by utilizing part of the long vacation. This pragmatic approach ensures continuous learning while preventing students from remaining idle for extended periods—a decision that has been widely welcomed by parents.
Furthermore, under the Education Law of January 1, 1964, which remains in effect across all northern states except Kogi, the Governor has the legal authority to determine “holidays and the dates of opening and closing of institutions.” This provision reaffirms the right of state governments to make educational decisions without external interference.
We are, therefore, perplexed by the unwarranted opposition from certain groups, particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and some NGOs, who claim that stakeholders were not consulted. It is important to clarify that CAN is not a stakeholder in the educational policies of the affected states. No state government is obligated to seek approval from external groups before making decisions in the best interest of its people.
Threats of legal action or industrial action over this well-planned and logical adjustment are not only unnecessary but also an affront to the authority of state governments. It is especially puzzling that CAN, which remained silent during the prolonged ASUU strikes that disrupted entire academic sessions, is now opposing a temporary, structured adjustment of just 25 school days.
We commend the state governments for their foresight in prioritizing the welfare of students and urge other states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, and Jigawa, to adopt similar measures. We also call on all stakeholders to respect the sovereign authority of state governments and refrain from undue interference in matters that directly impact the well-being of their citizens.
