Four northern Nigerian states—Bauchi, Kebbi, Kano, and Sokoto—have closed schools for Ramadan, sparking debates on religion's role in education. Critics warn of academic disruptions, while supporters emphasize cultural accommodation.
In a move that has sparked nationwide debate, four northern Nigerian states—Bauchi, Kebbi, Kano, and Sokoto—have announced the closure of public schools for the duration of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The decision, which aligns the academic calendar with religious observances, has drawn both praise and criticism, reigniting discussions about the role of religion in governance and education in Nigeria.
Bauchi State was the first to announce the measure, releasing an updated academic calendar that includes a five-week break beginning March 1, 2025, coinciding with the start of Ramadan. The state’s Commissioner for Education, Fatima Musa, defended the decision, stating that it was designed to accommodate the spiritual needs of Muslim students and teachers.
“This is not about prioritizing religion over education,” Musa said in a statement. “It is about recognizing the unique challenges faced by fasting students and ensuring they can fully participate in this sacred period without compromising their academic progress.”
However, critics argue that the extended closure could further disrupt an already fragile education system, particularly in northern Nigeria, where literacy rates are among the lowest in the country. “Closing schools for five weeks is excessive and counterproductive,” said Aisha Mohammed, an education advocate based in Kaduna. “We should be finding ways to keep children in school, not giving them reasons to stay home.”
The decision has also sparked a broader debate about Nigeria’s secular status and the influence of religion on public policy. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), users have expressed divergent views. Some, like @MusaAli, praised the move, calling it a “necessary accommodation for Muslim students and teachers.” Others, like @ChikaOkafor, questioned whether similar considerations would be given to Christian holidays. “Would schools be shut for Lent or Easter?” she asked.
Kebbi and Kano states followed Bauchi’s lead, announcing similar school closures for Ramadan. In Kebbi, Governor Ahmed Idris emphasized the importance of allowing students and teachers to fully engage in fasting and prayers. “This is a time for spiritual reflection and community bonding,” he said. “We believe this break will benefit everyone involved.”
In Sokoto, while no official statement has been released, sources within the state’s Ministry of Education confirmed that a two-week closure is under consideration. “We want to strike a balance,” said an anonymous official. “We recognize the importance of Ramadan, but we also don’t want to disrupt the academic calendar too much.”
The decision has also drawn attention to the broader challenges facing education in northern Nigeria. According to UNICEF, the region has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with poverty, insecurity, and cultural factors often cited as contributing causes. Critics argue that extended school closures, even for religious reasons, could further hinder efforts to improve educational outcomes.
“We need to be careful about the precedents we set,” said Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, a professor of education at Bayero University in Kano. “While it’s important to respect religious practices, we must also ensure that our children are not deprived of their right to education.”
The debate has also spilled over into the political arena, with some lawmakers calling for clearer guidelines on the integration of religious observances into the academic calendar. “We need a national framework that respects all faiths while prioritizing education,” said Senator Ahmed Lawan, representing Yobe North.
As the controversy continues, stakeholders are urging dialogue and compromise. “This is not a zero-sum game,” said Hajia Amina Mohammed, a parent in Bauchi. “We can find a way to respect our religious traditions without sacrificing our children’s future.”
For now, the school closures stand, leaving many to wonder how Nigeria will navigate the delicate balance between faith and education in the years to come.
