The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has launched a scathing critique against the recent decision by four northern state governments to close educational institutions for the entirety of Ramadan, calling it an “unconstitutional, discriminatory, and insensitive” move. The controversial closures in Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states have sparked debates about religious inclusivity, educational priorities, and political undertones.
The National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, minced no words in his statement, likening the decision to a “politicisation of religion.” He argued, “Not even in the heart of the Middle East do schools shut down for Ramadan. Education should not be sacrificed on the altar of religious observance, no matter how sacred.”
While Muslims across Nigeria embrace the spiritual obligations of Ramadan, HURIWA maintained that such blanket school closures undermine the educational rights of millions of students. The group noted a stark contrast, highlighting that Christian-dominated states do not close schools during the 40 days of Lent, demonstrating a more balanced approach to religious practices.
Adding fuel to the fire, Action Aid Nigeria (AAN) also weighed in, delivering a sharp rebuke to the northern governors. AAN’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, admonished the states for attempting to be “holier Muslims than the Arabs,” pointing out that such actions disrupt academic progress and jeopardize the livelihoods of teachers reliant on their salaries.
The statistics paint a grim picture. With the northern region already grappling with an out-of-school children rate averaging 44 percent—significantly above the national average—such prolonged school closures could worsen an already dire educational landscape. Mamedu emphasized that education is not just a right but a critical tool for addressing poverty and insecurity in the region.
In a twist of contrast, the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) showered praises on President Bola Tinubu for the recent reduction in food prices, claiming that the cost of living had become more bearable for Nigerians this Ramadan. Chief Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, noted that local fuel production had driven petrol prices down, which, in turn, positively impacted food prices.
“For the first time in the history of this country, prices of foodstuff are coming down, yet there’s pin-drop silence. Had it been the other way around, the President would have been the scapegoat on every rooftop,” Yakubu said, blending praise with a dose of political irony.
The divergence in opinions between HURIWA and ATT highlights a broader issue: the balance between religious observance, governance, and economic management. While ATT applauds the President’s economic strides, HURIWA and ActionAid call for a more pragmatic approach that prioritizes uninterrupted education and fair religious policies.
The education sector is no stranger to political maneuvers, but analysts suggest that the latest school closures could backfire, drawing criticism not only from civil rights groups but also from parents and educators struggling with academic disruptions.
As the debate unfolds, the hope is for a resolution that balances religious practices with the need for educational continuity. In the meantime, students in the affected states continue their extended break.
