Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, has criticized the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states for shutting down state-owned schools during the Ramadan fasting period.
Reported on March 1 that data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that these four northern states, which closed schools for Ramadan, also have some of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the country.
In a statement condemning the decision, Ahmad emphasized that “nowhere is it stated that schools must be closed for fasting.”
She argued that this practice is not observed in any Muslim-majority country and that keeping schools open during Ramadan is the standard, even in nations where Islam is the dominant religion.
“There is no religious basis for shutting down schools during Ramadan. Even in countries like Saudi Arabia, which are recognised as Muslim nations, educational institutions continue to function normally during this period,” Ahmad said.
She acknowledged that each state has the authority to make decisions regarding its education system but emphasised that the Federal Ministry of Education can engage with these states and present its position on the matter.
“We respect the autonomy of states in managing their education systems, but we strongly believe that closing schools for Ramadan is unnecessary and detrimental to student learning. Our role is to engage in constructive dialogue with the states and advocate for policies that prioritise education,” she said.
On Tuesday, while speaking on a Channels TV program, Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Ahmad urged the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to reconsider their decision to shut down state-owned schools for Ramadan.
She expressed concern that the closures would lead to a significant loss of learning time and revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education had initiated discussions with the affected state governments to reopen the schools. However, she acknowledged that the Federal Government has no direct control over state-owned institutions.
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The decision to shut down schools for Ramadan has sparked widespread outrage. Critics argue that the move further harms education in a region already struggling with high levels of poverty and illiteracy.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the decision, calling it “counterproductive, discriminatory, and a violation of the rights of non-Muslim students.” CAN warned that suspending academic activities for five weeks could deepen the educational crisis in the region.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria had about 18.3 million out-of-school children as of 2024. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), previously reviewed by SaharaReporters, showed that the affected states—Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, and Bauchi—already had some of the highest percentages of out-of-school children in the country.
Bauchi topped the list, with 54% of children lacking access to education, followed by Kebbi (45%), Katsina (38%), and Kano (35%). The combined average for these states stood at 44%, significantly higher than the national average of 34%.
Amid the controversy, the Katsina State government reinforced its stance by ordering the closure of all private schools during Ramadan. In a circular issued by the state’s Hisbah Board, authorities warned that non-compliance would lead to consequences.
“In accordance with the Katsina State Government’s directive, all private schools are required to close during the Ramadan period to allow pupils to fully observe the holy month,” the statement read.
“The directive also includes extra lessons. The Hisbah Board urges all school proprietors to strictly comply, as non-compliance will not be tolerated.”
It concluded with prayers: “May Allah accept our fast and grant us His blessings.”
Similarly, Bauchi State also ordered private schools to close for five weeks, from February 26 to April 5, to accommodate Ramadan and the Salah celebration.
As per the official academic calendar, the second term was divided into two phases, with a five-week break in between.
The decision has sparked growing discontent, with education advocates and parents voicing frustration over the disruption to learning.
Despite the backlash, the affected state governments have stood by their decision, arguing that the closure aligns with the religious obligations of the majority Muslim population.
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