A former governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Kano State, Jafar Sani-Bello, has taken a swipe at the minister of state education, Suwaiba Ahmad, over her comments on school closure during the month of Ramadan by some Northern governors.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the governors of Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi had ordered the closure of all secondary schools across the states to allow the students to fully observe the Ramadan fast.
But reacting to the decision, Mrs Ahmad lampooned the governors, saying there is no religious basis to do so.
She added that even in countries like Saudi Arabia, which are recognised as Muslim nations, educational institutions continue to function normally during this period.
She also urged the governors to rescind the decision and reopen the schools.
However, in an interview with DAILY NIGERIAN, Mr Bello said the minister had limited knowledge about governance.
He also asked her to bring Islamic teachings or biblical injunctions that support closures of schools during religious festivities such as Eid, Christmas, and Boxing Day celebrations.
“She needs to bring up Islamic grounds that mandate the closure of schools during Eid Fitr and Eid Kabir or that of Maulud or the biblical injunctions that provide for schools to close for 104 days a year, 52 Saturdays, and 52 Sundays.
“In addition to closures on Easter Monday and Good Friday, is she aware of a closure of school on Boxing Day? Does she even know what that means? Granted there were no scriptural grounds for the closure, but governments are elected to meet the demands of the people no matter what others might see or say.
“I believe her status as a junior minister reflects the scope of her understanding of what governance seems or ought to be,” he said.
While justifying the closure, Mr Bello said it would take away a huge burden from parents as well as the pupils.
“A country that does not have a robust school feeding system, parents shoulder the burden of cooking five times instead of three times a day.
“It takes away the morning nap they take after nights of supplication, which only an ardent practicing Muslim understands, not one that’s bent on making an impression to win the trust of others.
“She needs to take a visit to the former head of state, Gowon, and ask him if he received a prophecy when he declared Saturday a work-free day amounting to 52 days a year,” he added.
