"Sowore Criticizes Northern Nigerian Governors as ‘Uninformed’ and ‘Reckless’ for Shutting Schools During Ramadan"

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has strongly criticized the decision by some northern state governors to shut down schools during the Ramadan period. The affected states—Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi—have faced backlash over this move, which Sowore described as detrimental to education and governance.

In a recent discussion, Sowore questioned why academic activities should be halted due to religious observances, particularly in a secular nation. He pointed out that even in Saudi Arabia, where Ramadan holds significant religious importance, schools remain open.

“Saudi Arabia, where many go for the lesser Hajj, does not shut down schools for Ramadan. Education remains a priority there. Yet, in Nigeria, some leaders choose to prioritize religion over learning,” Sowore stated.

He emphasized that under his leadership, governance would remain separate from religious considerations. “If I become President, no state government will have the power to close schools for fasting. The normalization of such policies is unacceptable. While religion is important to many, it should not interfere with the fundamental right to education,” he added.

While acknowledging the significance of Ramadan, Sowore expressed concerns over the closure of both secular and Quranic schools. “It is concerning that knowledge centers, including those focused on religious education, are shutting down. How will students learn the Quran if the schools meant for their studies are closed?” he asked.

Sowore also noted that religious institutions should encourage intellectual growth rather than hinder it. He argued that fasting should not be a barrier to learning. “Scientific studies suggest that fasting can enhance mental clarity. Instead of shutting down schools, authorities could implement measures like providing meals for students to break their fast,” he suggested.

He further criticized the influence of religious leaders on governance, stating that many exploit faith for personal gain. According to him, the dependence on religious figures for societal solutions often stems from the government’s failure to provide essential services. “Strong governance would reduce the desperation that leads people to seek miracles. In societies with effective systems, the role of religion in everyday problem-solving is significantly diminished,” he explained.

Sowore’s remarks have sparked discussions on the intersection of religion and governance, particularly in education. The policy of school closures has been met with both support and opposition, with different religious and civic organizations voicing their perspectives.

Some groups defending the policy argue that it aligns with cultural and religious practices in the region. Others, however, maintain that education should not be compromised, as the affected states already struggle with high rates of out-of-school children.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that these states have some of the highest rates of children lacking access to education, further raising concerns about the long-term impact of such policies.

The debate continues, with calls for a more balanced approach that respects religious practices while prioritizing education. The focus remains on ensuring that policies support both academic growth and cultural values without compromising the future of young learners.