The federal government has strongly opposed the decision of governors in Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to shut down schools for Ramadan, arguing that the move lacks religious justification and disrupts education.
Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, stated on Wednesday that suspending academic activities during the holy month was unwarranted.
She emphasized that even in predominantly Muslim nations like Saudi Arabia, schools remain open throughout Ramadan.
While recognizing the authority of state governments over their education systems, Ahmad insisted that halting learning for religious observances was counterproductive and harmful to students.
UNICEF data indicates that Nigeria has 18.3 million out-of-school children, with Bauchi recording the highest rate at 54 percent. Kebbi follows with 45 percent, while Katsina and Kano have 38 percent and 35 percent, respectively.