TheKano, Kebbi Katsina and Bauchi State Governments have announced the closure of schools during the Ramadan period, sparking mixed reactions from parents and critics.
In Katsina, the government has ordered the closure of all private schools for the duration of the holy month, allowing students to fully observe Ramadan. Bauchi State, on the other hand, has declared a five-week school closure from February 26 to April 5, 2025, in preparation for the religious observance.
The decision has generated a wide range of opinions, particularly on social media platforms. Some Nigerians, like @Brheight_onu, expressed concern over the academic implications, stating: “That may cost a lot to the students’ academics.” Others, such as @SogeKingu2000, questioned the necessity of the closures, remarking, “Even in Saudi Arabia, they don’t close the schools. Nonsense!”
However, supporters of the school closures argue that the decision is in line with religious obligations. One user, @adeyanjubiodun, criticized the closures, asking: “What about non-Muslims in those schools? Who took such a shallow decision for a whole state?”
The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion, allowing citizens to practice their faith freely. However, the decision to close schools during Ramadan has sparked debate over whether it infringes on the rights of non-Muslim students. Critics have also raised concerns about the financial impact on private school owners who will lose income during the closure.
Katsina State has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in Nigeria, with a recent UNICEF report revealing 536,112 children out of school in the state. Education experts are worried that the school closures could exacerbate this problem, hindering efforts to improve access to education. Some argue that the long closures may interfere with the progress being made in tackling the out-of-school children crisis.
One of the concerned parents, Ismail Raji, has called on the Katsina State Government to reconsider its decision. He warned that the move could worsen the situation for children who are already out of school, urging the government to find a balance between religious observance and educational continuity.
In a statement, Mr. Jalaludeen Maina, the Information Officer at the Ministry of Education, confirmed that the closure of schools was in line with the state’s approved academic calendar for the 2024-2025 session. He explained, “Yes, we are closing all schools, and this decision is part of our approved calendar. Our students will not be fasting while in school.”
The decision to close schools in Katsina and Bauchi States during Ramadan has ignited a broader conversation about balancing religious practices with the need for educational continuity. While the closures are viewed by some as a necessary step to accommodate religious observance, others caution that they may have lasting negative effects on students’ academic performance, especially in states already grappling with high rates of out-of-school children. As the debate unfolds, it remains crucial for the governments to address these concerns and find a way to ensure that both religious and educational needs are met, without compromising the future of the students.
