Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, has criticized the decision by Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to shut down state-owned schools for Ramadan, arguing that the practice has no religious basis and is detrimental to education.
Speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, Ahmad pointed out that even in predominantly Muslim nations like Saudi Arabia, schools remain open during Ramadan.
She emphasized that no Islamic teaching mandates school closures for fasting, urging the affected states to reconsider their decision.
“We respect the autonomy of states in managing their education systems, but closing schools for Ramadan is unnecessary and harmful to student learning. Our role is to engage in constructive dialogue with these states and advocate for policies that prioritize education,” she stated.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate, particularly given that these states already struggle with high rates of out-of-school children.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that Bauchi has the highest percentage of out-of-school children in Nigeria at 54%, followed by Kebbi (45%), Katsina (38%), and Kano (35%). The national average stands at 34%.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also condemned the closures, calling them “counterproductive and discriminatory.”
CAN warned that suspending academic activities for five weeks would further worsen the region’s educational crisis, affecting both Muslim and non-Muslim students.
Despite the criticism, the Katsina State government has doubled down on its decision, extending the closure to private schools as well.
In a circular issued by the state’s Hisbah Board, authorities warned of consequences for non-compliance, stating that all schools must remain closed throughout Ramadan.
Bauchi State also reinforced its directive, mandating a five-week school closure from February 26 to April 5 to cover both Ramadan and the Salah celebration.
Education advocates and parents have expressed frustration over the policy, arguing that it disrupts learning in a region already facing significant educational challenges.
However, state officials maintain that the decision aligns with the religious obligations of the majority Muslim population.
The Federal Ministry of Education has initiated discussions with the affected states, hoping to persuade them to keep schools open in future Ramadan periods.
