Last week, about five state governments including Kano state in the northern part of Nigeria shut down both public and private schools in their states. The governors declared public holidays in their respective states and sent the students and pupils home for the Ramadan period only.
Africa Health Report, AHR’s Correspondent in Kano, Hussaini Kafi who spoke to a cross section of residents reports their reactions. According to his findings, anger and dismay have greeted the action of the governors. “Policy Lacks Religious Justification” – Some Islamic Clerics stated in their responses, among other positions and clarifications thrown into light by the well-informed responders. Some literally opposed the closure.
A fresh wave of debate has erupted in northern Nigeria following the decision by some state governments to shut down schools for the entire month of Ramadan. While officials argue that the move will allow students, teachers, and parents to focus on fasting and religious observances, critics—including education stakeholders, civil society groups, and religious leaders—believe the decision could have long-term consequences for learning and development.
The policy, implemented in Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, and Bauchi states, means that millions of students will be out of school for at least four weeks, further disrupting an education system already grappling with low enrolment rates, poor infrastructure, and declining academic performance. The move has also sparked concerns about its legality, economic impact, and alignment with global best practices.
However, prominent Islamic clerics in the region have criticized the decision, arguing that it lacks religious justification and contradicts Islamic teachings that encourage productivity and continuous learning, even during fasting periods.
No religious Basis for School Closure – Islamic Clerics
Mallam Auwal Bashir Sulaiman, a Kano-based Islamic scholar, emphasized that Islamic history is filled with examples of great achievements during Ramadan, including battles fought by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions while fasting.
“Islam does not advocate for inactivity during Ramadan,” he said. “Many Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, do not shut down schools. Instead, they adjust school schedules to accommodate fasting students.”
Mallam Bashir argued that the school closures are based more on cultural sentiments than Islamic teachings. “The governors likely made this decision to give students time for religious activities, but it is not an Islamic requirement,” he added.
His stance was echoed by other clerics, who believe that rather than closing schools completely, governments should explore alternative solutions like flexible timetables.
Kano Government Enforces Strict Compliance
Amid the controversy, the Kano State Government has reinforced its stance, directing all private and voluntary schools in the state to strictly adhere to the 2024/2025 school calendar. In a statement issued on Thursday, Mustapha Badawi Yahya, Director of Special Duties at the Ministry of Education, warned that schools must close on Friday, February 28, 2025, and reopen on Sunday, April 6, 2025, or face consequences.
“Schools that fail to comply with this directive will face appropriate sanctions,” the statement read, emphasizing that the policy is part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s plan to ensure a structured and balanced academic calendar.
The Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to providing high-quality education while enforcing adherence to the approved calendar. However, education stakeholders believe the blanket closure could further deepen the learning crisis in the region.
Northern Governor’s Forum Calls for Prayers Amid Ramadan but Remains Silent on School Closure
As of now, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has not issued a collective statement specifically addressing the recent directives by the governments of Katsina, Kebbi, and Bauchi states to close schools for the entire month of Ramadan. However, in a statement marking the commencement of Ramadan, the NSGF, under the chairmanship of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, urged the Muslim community to utilize the holy month to offer prayers for peace, development, and prosperity in Nigeria.
Governor Yahaya emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence during this period but did not address the school closure directives implemented by individual states.
Additionally, the NSGF has previously emphasized its commitment to tackling the high rate of out-of-school children in the region. In collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank, the forum aims to develop comprehensive strategies to address this pressing issue.
Despite these initiatives, the forum has not commented on the recent school closure directives implemented by individual states during Ramadan.
Mixed Reactions to the Policy
While government officials insist the decision was made in good faith, key stakeholders argue it is a setback for education in a region already grappling with high numbers of out-of-school children.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned the move, issuing a 72-hour ultimatum for the governors to reverse their decision or face mass protests. Similarly, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) expressed frustration, stating that the decision will disrupt the academic calendar and make it difficult for schools to cover the curriculum effectively.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on students, especially those preparing for crucial exams. Shutting down schools for an entire month without alternatives is unfair,” said Haruna Danjuma, National President of the PTA.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also criticized the closures, calling them discriminatory and a violation of students’ rights. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, emphasized that education is a fundamental right and should not be sacrificed for religious observances.
“If Christian students can observe Lent without disrupting their education, why should schools shut down for Ramadan?” he asked.
Educational and Economic Implications
Education advocates worry that shutting down schools for a month could further widen the learning gap in northern Nigeria. The region already has some of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the world, with Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, and Bauchi collectively accounting for over 3.1 million children not enrolled in school.
According to UNESCO, Nigeria’s out-of-school children population has increased drastically over the years, rising from 6.4 million in 2000 to 18.3 million in 2024. Education experts warn that policies like this could worsen the situation.
Lawyer and Lead Director of the Centre for Social Justice, Eze Onyekpere, described the policy as an “infringement on students’ rights” and an “anti-development decision.” He argued that education should not be subordinated to religious considerations, especially in a country struggling with literacy challenges.
“The states that are shutting down schools for Ramadan are the same ones with the worst education indices. Instead of finding ways to keep children in school, they are making it easier for them to stay at home,” he said.
However, Malam Bashir believes the closure will not significantly affect students’ education, as learning can continue at home. He advised parents to help their children develop research skills and independent study habits during the break.
“This can be an opportunity for students to engage in academic projects and deepen their understanding of subjects,” he suggested.
From an economic perspective, he downplayed concerns about financial losses, arguing that schools would still generate revenue and teachers would continue receiving salaries.
Global Best Practices: How Other Muslim Countries Handle Ramadan in Schools
Findings show that core Islamic countries rarely shut down schools during Ramadan. Instead, they adjust school hours to accommodate fasting students while ensuring that education continues.
For instance, the Saudi Ministry of Education allows regional education authorities to set flexible timetables, with schools in Makkah starting morning classes at 9:00 a.m., evening classes at 1:00 p.m., and continuing education classes at 9:30 p.m.
Similarly, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), school hours are shortened but not suspended. Students still attend classes and complete their academic activities.
“If Saudi Arabia, the heart of Islam, does not close schools for Ramadan, why should Nigeria do so? This is not about religion but about poor governance and misplaced priorities,” said education analyst Dr. Nura Bello.
Call for Policy Review
While some support the decision, others insist that a more balanced approach is needed. Instead of outright closures, stakeholders suggest adjusting school hours or introducing flexible learning schedules to accommodate fasting students while ensuring that academic activities continue.
As debates over the Ramadan school closures continue, many await the response of the affected state governments to growing demands for a policy review. Whether the decision stands or is reversed, one thing remains clear: the issue has reignited discussions on the balance between religion and education in northern Nigeria.
