The former presidential candidate criticised the decision by Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to close schools during Ramadan, arguing that those responsible do not suffer the consequences.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused northern leaders who encouraged the shutdown of schools for Ramadan fasting of sending their children to elite private schools in Abuja and abroad using public resources meant for Nigeria’s “economically disadvantaged public schools.”
The former presidential candidate criticised the decision by Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to close schools during Ramadan, arguing that those responsible do not suffer the consequences.
He described the leaders as "irresponsible and wicked," alleging that their children or wards attend high-end institutions, while the children of the poor are denied education.
His reaction follows the condemnation by Nigeria's Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, who slammed the state governments for shutting down schools, emphasising that “nowhere is it stated that schools must be closed for fasting.”
She pointed out that even in Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia, schools remain open during Ramadan.
Sowore, in a statement via his verified X account, said, “Those ignoramuses who decided to shut down schools during Ramadan Fasting do not have their own children enrolled in these economically disadvantaged public schools.
“Their children or wards attend schools overseas or high-end private schools in Abuja, supported by funds designated for the education of socioeconomically challenged students (the poor) in these run-down schools, which do not close for Ramadan Fasting. Irresponsible and wicked leaders! #RevolutionNow.”
His comments come amid rising criticism of the school closures, with education advocates arguing that the move further marginalises northern children, who already face high rates of illiteracy.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the affected states—Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, and Bauchi—have some of the highest percentages of out-of-school children, with Bauchi leading at 54%.
Sowore had earlier lambasted northern governors, calling their decision "ignorant" and "idiotic."
He questioned why Nigeria, a secular state, would allow religious considerations to interfere with education when even Saudi Arabia keeps its schools open.
“Saudi Arabia where everybody is headed for lesser Hajj—did they close down their schools? You see, those are ignorant Muslims. Basically, let me put it straight: they are idiots," he said.
He further argued that under his leadership, no state government would be allowed to impose religious policies on governance.
"When I become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the states will have no business with religion.
“I can’t be President and you come and close down schools because of fasting," he added.
Critics, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), have described the school closures as discriminatory and counterproductive.
The Katsina State government, however, doubled down on its decision by extending the shutdown to private schools, warning of consequences for non-compliance.