The recent decision by the Katsina State Government and other predominantly Muslim states in northern Nigeria to close schools during the fasting period of Ramadan has sparked a wave of criticism, particularly from individuals and groups in the southern part of the country. While some have framed their opposition as a defense of northern Christians, the criticism appears to overlook the broader context of cultural and religious autonomy in a diverse nation like Nigeria. As an independent observer, it is important to examine this decision objectively, considering the principles of democracy, religious freedom, and the right of states to govern in accordance with the wishes of their people.
Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, with each region possessing unique cultural and religious identities. The decision by Katsina State and other northern states to close schools during Ramadan is rooted in the need to accommodate the religious obligations of the majority Muslim population. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it requires significant physical and spiritual commitment. For many Muslim students, balancing the demands of fasting with the rigors of academic work can be challenging. By temporarily closing schools, the government is demonstrating sensitivity to the needs of its people, allowing students and teachers to observe this sacred period without undue stress.
It is worth noting that the Katsina State Government made an exemption for final-year students to continue their studies and complete their syllabi. This pragmatic approach strikes a balance between religious observance and educational priorities, ensuring that critical academic milestones are not compromised. Such a decision reflects thoughtful governance that considers both the spiritual and practical needs of the populace.
In a democratic society, the principle of self-governance is sacrosanct. Each state has the right to enact policies that reflect the values and preferences of its people. The decision to close schools during Ramadan is consistent with the democratic ethos, as it aligns with the cultural and religious context of the region. Critics from the southern part of Nigeria, who argue against this decision, fail to recognize that democracy allows for diversity in governance. What works for one region may not necessarily work for another, and that is the beauty of a federal system.
For instance, in the United States, individual states have the autonomy to enact laws that reflect their unique cultural and social contexts. Some states observe holidays or implement policies that cater to the predominant religious or cultural practices of their residents. Similarly, in India, states with significant Muslim populations often declare public holidays during Eid and other Islamic festivals. These examples underscore the importance of allowing states to govern in a manner that respects the identities and preferences of their people.
The criticism of Katsina State’s decision appears to be selective and, in some cases, hypocritical. For example, many of the same critics have remained silent when the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) imposed sit-at-home orders in the southeastern part of Nigeria. These orders have not only disrupted education but also crippled economic activities and led to loss of lives. The silence of these critics in the face of such actions raises questions about the sincerity of their opposition to the school closures in the north.
Furthermore, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have been quick to condemn the decision, framing it as an infringement on the rights of Christians. However, it is important to note that the decision is not targeted at any religious group but is rather a general policy to accommodate the majority Muslim population during a significant religious period. Christians in the north have coexisted peacefully with their Muslim neighbors for decades, and there is no evidence to suggest that this decision is intended to marginalize them.
I have also seen a few criticisms of this policy from some Northern Muslims who are always quick to support Southerners or Christians against their own kith and kin in these kinds of issues, and are ready to bend over backwards in support of Southerners/Christians in order to seem to belong or to give the appearance of being cosmopolitan. Such kind of people don't impress me in the least. Their willingness to undermine their own community’s values and traditions for the sake of appearing progressive or inclusive is not a mark of enlightenment but rather a betrayal of their heritage. True progressiveness lies in respecting one’s identity while fostering mutual understanding, not in sacrificing one’s principles to gain external validation.
Nigeria’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, but it also requires mutual respect and understanding among its various regions and religious groups. The decision by Katsina State and other northern states to close schools during Ramadan should be seen as an expression of cultural and religious identity, not as an act of exclusion or discrimination. Just as southern states have the right to implement policies that reflect their unique contexts, northern states should be afforded the same privilege.
Rather than resorting to criticism and threats of strike action, stakeholders should engage in constructive dialogue to address concerns and find common ground. Education is a shared priority for all Nigerians, and any disruptions should be approached with a spirit of collaboration and understanding.
The decision by Katsina State and other northern states to close schools during the fasting period is a reflection of democratic governance that respects the cultural and religious identities of its people. It is a decision rooted in sensitivity and pragmatism, as evidenced by the exemption for final-year students. Critics of this decision should consider the broader context of Nigeria’s diversity and the right of states to self-governance. Rather than fostering division, Nigerians should strive for mutual respect and understanding, recognizing that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. In a nation as diverse as Nigeria, accommodating our differences is not a weakness but a testament to the strength of our democracy.
Tags
Articles