Africa
Sacrificing Education on the Altar of Faith -By Chiechefulam Ikebuiro
Religion is a deeply personal matter, and as former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola aptly put it, it should leave the public space and return to where it truly belongs—the home and places of worship. There is no justification for forcing educational institutions to conform to religious observances at the expense of children’s academic progress. If families choose to prioritize religious devotion over formal education, that should be a personal choice, not government imposed.
What sounds like a dystopian movie plot is, unfortunately, a harsh reality unfolding in parts of Northern Nigeria.
The decision by some state governments to shut down schools for the entire Ramadan period is not only baffling but also deeply troubling. Even more concerning is the outright ban on extramural classes in one (?) of the states during this time.
One is forced to wonder what logic underpins this decision, and at what cost to the future of the affected children? Where else in the world is this sort of thing practiced?
At a time when Nigeria, especially northern Nigeria, is grappling with one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally, one would expect a more aggressive push towards improving education. Instead, some states are further worsening an already dire situation by wilfully disrupting learning. Should any serious government, aware of the long-term consequences of illiteracy, make such a choice?
For what it’s worth, the hypocrisy of this decision is glaring. How many of the enforcers of this directive have their children studying in Nigeria, let alone in these affected states? If education is so dispensable during Ramadan, why is it not dispensable for their children? Why must the children of the less privileged bear the brunt of policies that do not apply across board?
Religion is a deeply personal matter, and as former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola aptly put it, it should leave the public space and return to where it truly belongs—the home and places of worship. There is no justification for forcing educational institutions to conform to religious observances at the expense of children’s academic progress. If families choose to prioritize religious devotion over formal education, that should be a personal choice, not government imposed.
How do we hope to compete in a world where knowledge is the new currency if we continuously stifle education for non-academic reasons? Will the future of these children not be compromised by such ill-advised interruptions?
This decision sets a dangerous precedent. If education can be suspended for Ramadan, what stops future administrations from closing schools for other religious, cultural, or even political reasons? Where does the line get drawn?
We must resist any policy that sacrifices learning opportunities for our children on the altar of religious convenience.
The world is moving forward, and we must decide whether we wish to progress with it or be left behind.
Chiechefulam Ikebuiro
