Muslim school kids

Experts in both Islamic and western education have begun weighing in on the controversy between the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) regarding the decision to close schools during Ramadan.

Though CAN initially criticized the move, and argued that shutting down schools would disrupt the academic calendar in northern states, however, an education expert and Dean Faculty of Education, Federal College of Education Kano, Dr. Asiya Aliyu Ibrahim, dismissed these concerns.

Dr. Asiya, who posited that closing schools during Ramadan will no way disrupt academic learning, as there are experts who guide decisions on education at all levels, further noted that students would have the opportunity to catch up later.

Similarly, a prominent Islamic scholar and chairman, Kano State Council of Ulama, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, also defended the decision, and praised northern governors for their foresight, highlighting the challenges students and teachers face due to extreme heat and hunger while fasting.

According to him, the decision is based on a legitimate concern, and there are no issues that should cause any controversy.

CAN had earlier threatened to take legal action against the states that implemented the closures, sparking a heated exchange between the Christian organization and MURIC, which advocates for Muslim rights.