Education remains the bedrock of national development, serving as the most potent tool for empowerment and societal growth. However, recent developments in Bauchi State, where the Ministry of Education has directed the closure of schools for one month during Ramadan, have raised critical questions about the balance between religious observance and the educational needs of our children. While respecting religious obligations is essential in a multicultural and multi-religious nation like Nigeria, halting formal education for an entire month is a policy that could have far-reaching consequences on the academic and developmental progress of our young generation.
Dr. (Mrs.) Busayo Ogunronbi, the founder and convener of AQBASE and a passionate advocate for sustainable education in Nigeria, emphasizes that education must not be interrupted or relegated to secondary importance, regardless of the circumstances. She believes that learning is a continuous process that requires consistency and adaptation to challenges, including religious and cultural dynamics. “While we must honor our religious values, we must also protect the right to education, which is fundamental to the progress of our nation,” Dr. Ogunronbi asserts.
The decision to shut down schools during Ramadan, though well-meaning, poses significant risks. Academic disruption of this magnitude affects learning continuity, retention rates, and overall academic performance. Students, especially younger learners, may struggle to recall previously taught material, making it difficult to catch up when schools resume. This is particularly concerning in a country already grappling with learning poverty, where many children are struggling to attain basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Moreover, this policy disproportionately impacts children from less privileged backgrounds. While wealthier families may afford private tutors or alternative learning resources, children from low-income families are left without access to any form of education during the break. This deepens existing educational inequalities, leaving the less fortunate even further behind.
The directive also runs counter to Nigeria’s commitment to quality education under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4). Frequent school closures reduce instructional hours, leading to incomplete syllabus coverage and an increased likelihood of underachievement in national and international examinations. Dr. Ogunronbi reiterates that in a country where educational challenges are already acute, such decisions exacerbate the crisis rather than mitigate it.
Yet, there is a way forward. Instead of entirely shutting down schools, the government should explore innovative, flexible learning models that accommodate religious observances without compromising education. A hybrid system, which combines in-person and virtual instruction, can allow students to continue learning even while observing Ramadan. Leveraging digital platforms, educational radio and television broadcasts, and recorded lessons are practical solutions that have been successfully adopted in other countries with similar religious contexts.
For instance, nations such as Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates, both of which have substantial Muslim populations, have opted for adjusted school schedules rather than full closures during Ramadan. These countries ensure that learning remains uninterrupted by introducing shorter school hours or offering supplementary lessons online. Nigeria can draw valuable lessons from these models to balance religious obligations with the right to education.
Dr. Ogunronbi underscores that this situation must serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize the integration of technology and flexibility in our education system. “The government should invest in digital infrastructure, train teachers on remote teaching techniques, and distribute learning materials to students, especially in rural and underserved areas,” she advises. By doing so, Nigeria can prevent learning disruptions during religious or national events and ensure equitable access to quality education for all children.
Education is too vital to be interrupted or relegated in favor of religious or cultural considerations. While it is important to honor the traditions and values of our diverse population, political leaders must avoid policies that unintentionally undermine the future of our children. Education and religion are not mutually exclusive; they can coexist if approached with innovative thinking and a commitment to global best practices.
The directive to shut down schools for a month during Ramadan raises a critical question: where are the children of those championing this policy? Are their own children facing the same interruptions in their education? The answer, more often than not, is no. Many of these so-called leaders have their children studying abroad in countries where education is uninterrupted, even during religious or national holidays. Others have their children enrolled in Nigeria’s top-tier private schools, where such closures are not enforced, or in Abuja, where quality education is delivered without compromise.
This glaring disparity exposes the deep inequities in our educational system and challenges the fairness of policies that disproportionately impact the less privileged. If the leaders truly believe in the value of education, why aren’t their children subjected to the same interruptions they are imposing on the masses? Policies that hinder the educational progress of the majority while shielding the elite are not just unjust—they are a betrayal of the very principles of equity and fairness that governance should uphold.
Education is the best legacy we can give to this generation. It is the foundation for national development and the most potent tool for empowerment. To prioritize religion or politics over education is to jeopardize the future of millions of Nigerian children. The leaders must remember that the same children they are depriving today are the ones who will inherit the nation’s future. Policies should reflect a commitment to providing equal opportunities for all, regardless of socioeconomic or religious backgrounds.
Dr. Ogunronbi emphasizes that “the stakes are too high for this generation and the nation as a whole.” She calls on policymakers to prioritize education as a fundamental right and an essential driver of development. Instead of shutting down schools for a month, the government should adopt creative solutions to make education accessible, uninterrupted, and inclusive, ensuring that no child is left behind.
Let there be equity and fairness in our policies. Education must not be interrupted for any reason—religious, political, or otherwise. If we truly value the development of this nation, we must commit to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to uninterrupted, quality education. Anything less is a disservice to our future.
