The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, SCSN has criticised the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, for threatening legal action over the closure of schools for Ramadan in northern states.
DAILY POST recalls that CAN issued an ultimatum to the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states, demanding the reversal of their directives mandating a five-week school closure for the Ramadan fast.
Reacting in a statement, SCSN Secretary-General Nafiu Baba-Ahmad dismissed opposition from CAN and some non-governmental organisations insisting that state governments have full authority to determine school schedules.
The council described threats of legal or industrial action over the school closures as unnecessary and an affront to the authority of state governments.
It further stated that the temporary closure would not negatively impact academic activities, as lost time would be compensated for by adjusting the long vacation.
The council also urged Zamfara, Sokoto, Jigawa, and other states to adopt similar measures.
“This decision ensures continuous learning while preventing students from remaining idle for extended periods. It was carefully reviewed by the respective Ministries of Education and widely welcomed by parents,” the statement read.
“It is baffling that CAN, which remained silent when prolonged ASUU strikes disrupted entire academic sessions, is now opposing a temporary, structured adjustment of just 25 school days,” the council added