Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticized northern leaders for shutting down schools to allow children to participate in Ramadan fasting.

Reports say that states like Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano have implemented this policy, which has sparked outrage among many Nigerians.

Sowore argues that the leaders making this decision do not enroll their own children in these public schools. Instead, he claims, their children attend expensive private schools in Abuja or study abroad, funded by money meant to support poor students.

Taking to Facebook, Sowore condemned the policy, calling it “irresponsible and wicked.” He emphasized that well-funded private and international schools do not shut down for Ramadan, and this decision only affects disadvantaged students.

Many Nigerians have also criticized the policy, saying it puts education on hold for children who are already struggling with poor learning conditions.