A civic advocacy group, Thinking Hat, has condemned the recent decision by the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to close public schools for five weeks to allow students observe the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement signed by Prof. Prince Ebitimi Weigha, Chairman of Thinking Hat, the group described the action as a dangerous precedent capable of undermining Nigeria’s secular constitution and triggering unnecessary religious tension in the already fragile socio-political climate.
“We strongly condemn the closure of public schools for religious reasons. This is a blatant act of religious bigotry that disregards the constitutional principle of secularism upon which Nigeria stands,” Prof. Weigha said.
The group, an associate of Christian Soul Winners Worldwide, drew a parallel between Ramadan in Islam and Lent in Christianity, stressing that religious observances should not disrupt public institutions that serve citizens of diverse faiths.
“If public schools must close for Ramadan, will they also close for Lent, Christmas, and other religious periods observed by Christians and other faith groups?” the group queried, describing the move as discriminatory and divisive.
Thinking Hat further aligned with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which had earlier issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding that the affected northern states reverse the policy or face nationwide protests.
“This action is an affront to the intelligence of Nigerians and a reckless violation of our constitutional secularism. It sends a dangerous message that government institutions can be dictated by religious interests rather than the collective welfare of all citizens,” Prof. Weigha added.
The group urged Muslim faithful to focus their Ramadan observance on personal devotion, fasting, and prayers for national unity, rather than promoting policies that could foster religious envy, sectarianism, or tribal suspicion.
Thinking Hat called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to immediately intervene and reverse the school closures to prevent the policy from escalating into a larger religious crisis.
The statement concludes:
“Nigeria belongs to all of us — Christians, Muslims, and others alike. No faith group should dictate public policy in a way that alienates or marginalizes others. We demand an immediate reversal of this discriminatory policy.”
