Ramadan: Katsina, Bauchi, Kebbi, Kano order schools shut for 30 days

Ramadan: Katsina, Bauchi, Kebbi, Kano order schools shut for 30 days

Not fewer than five states in Northern Nigeria have shut down academic activities in their various schools for the next 30 days to allow students to participate in the annual Ramadan.

  The development, which is generating concerns among Nigerians, has pitched many Islamic scholars against others. Critics of the forced holiday have argued that even in Saudi Arabia, the religious headquarters of Islam, “schools do not close down during Ramadan. Their Ministry of Education typically adjusts the academic calendar to shorten school hours during the month, allowing students and staff to manage fasting and prayer schedules.”

  However, Kano, Katsina, Bauchi and Kebbi states have re-adjusted their academic calendar to allow students to stay at home for 5 weeks when Ramadan will last. Investigation also revealed that Sokoto State was also considering joining them in the religious holiday.

  According to the approved academic calendar, schools in Bauchi State will be closed from February 26, 2025, until the end of Ramadan and the Salah celebrations, with classes resuming on April 6, 2025.

 The Bauchi State Ministry of Education maintains that the changes in the academic schedule are part of a structured approach to balancing education with religious and cultural observances.

  Similarly, Kebbi State has revised its 2024/2025 academic calendar, ending the second term on February 28, 2025, and commencing a Ramadan break on March 1, with schools set to reopen for the third term on April 7, 2025.

The decision aligns with the guidance of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), which has called on Muslims to begin moon-sighting for Ramadan 1446 AH after sunset on February 28, 2025.

Kebbi and Kano states also asked that schools be shut during the holy month.

According to the states’ revised 2024/2025 academic calendars, the second term will conclude on February 28, 2025, with the Ramadan break commencing on March 1, 2025.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State governor, Ahmed Idris, said this period would provide an opportunity for the Muslim community within the state’s educational institutions to engage fully in fasting, prayers, and other religious activities associated with Ramadan.

 Schools in the state are scheduled to resume for the third term on April 7, 2025. The state government also urged all educational establishments to adhere to this schedule and wished the Muslim faithful a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan.

  Meanwhile, the Kano State Government has also approved Friday, February 28, 2025, as the date for second-term vacation for all day and boarding public/private primary and post-primary schools in the state.

  Parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools were to convey their wards home by the early hours of the day.

  This was contained in a statement by the Director of Public Enlightenment of the State Ministry of Education, Balarabe Kiru, and issued on Tuesday.

  “Boarding school pupils and students are to return to their respective schools on Sunday, April 6, 2025, while the day students are to resume on Monday, April 7, 2025,” part of the statement read.

  The statement, however, quoted the state Commissioner for Education, Dr Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urging parents and educational stakeholders to comply with the adjustments to the calendar. He warned that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against defaulting students.

  Makoda appreciated the cooperation and support given to the ministry and wished the students and pupils a successful and hitch-free Ramadan holiday.

  The Sokoto State government is also considering shutting schools to observe the holy month.  Spokesperson of the state Ministry of Education said, “We are considering it, but it may only be for two weeks so students and teachers can concentrate on their studies while they fast,” the source said.

  However, stakeholders have called for clearer policies on integrating religious observances into the national academic framework to ensure fairness and inclusivity for students of all backgrounds.