Chief Imam Opposes Northern States’ School Closure for Ramadan, Calls It Un-Islamic

The Chief Imam of Benin, Sheikh Abdul-Fatai Enabulele, has firmly opposed the decision by four Northern state governments—Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi—to shut down schools for five weeks in observance of Ramadan.

Critics have slammed the move as a setback to education, arguing that the abrupt closure disrupts students’ academic progress and leaves teachers and staff financially stranded. Various groups have also labeled the policy unconstitutional, discriminatory, and insensitive.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City, Sheikh Enabulele denounced the school shutdown as un-Islamic, stressing that Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge under all circumstances.

“Islam commands us to seek knowledge at all times. Closing schools entirely is unnecessary. A more reasonable approach would have been adjusting school hours, perhaps closing at noon, but not a total shutdown,” he stated.

The cleric asserted that no Quranic verse or Hadith justifies such an action, urging Muslim leaders to exercise wisdom and fairness.

“Fasting is not an excuse for idleness. Islam doesn’t promote shutting down institutions of learning because of Ramadan. If scholars can teach the Qur’an on radio and television while fasting, why can’t students continue learning?” he queried.

Sheikh Enabulele emphasized that education remains a powerful tool for empowerment and urged authorities to prioritize learning over sentiment.

“Closing schools only denies children the opportunity to grow intellectually. Islam supports knowledge acquisition, and I stand against any policy that hinders it,” he concluded.