By NewsMata
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad has slammed the administration of four states of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano for shutting down state-owned schools during the Ramadan fasting period.
SaharaReporters reported on March 1 that data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that four northern states, which shut down schools for Ramadan, have some of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the country.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education, while criticizing the decision of these four states, in a statement, emphasised that “nowhere is it stated that schools must be closed for fasting”.
Ahmad argued that this practice is not followed in any Muslim-majority country, and that keeping schools open during Ramadan is the standard norm, even in nations where Islam is the dominant religion.
“There is no religious basis for shutting down schools during Ramadan. Even in countries like Saudi Arabia, which are recognised as Muslim nations, educational institutions continue to function normally during this period,” Ahmad said.
She acknowledged that each state has the authority to make decisions regarding its education system but emphasised that the Federal Ministry of Education can engage with these states and present its position on the matter.
“We respect the autonomy of states in managing their education systems, but we strongly believe that closing schools for Ramadan is unnecessary and detrimental to student learning. Our role is to engage in constructive dialogue with the states and advocate for policies that prioritise education,” she said.
On Tuesday the minister, while featuring on Channels TV programme appealed to the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano states to reconsider their decision to shut down state-owned schools for Ramadan.
She expressed concern that the closure would lead to significant loss of learning time.
She revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education had initiated discussions with the four state governments to reopen the schools.
However, she acknowledged that the Federal Government had no direct control over state-owned institutions.
The decision to shut down schools for Ramadan in the states has sparked widespread outrage.
Critics argue that the closure negatively impacts education in a region already struggling with high levels of poverty and illiteracy.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the move, describing it as “counterproductive, discriminatory, and a violation of the rights of non-Muslim students.”
CAN warned that suspending academic activities for five weeks could further deepen the educational crisis in the region. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),
Nigeria had about 18.3 million out-of-school children as of 2024.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), earlier reviewed by SaharaReporters, showed that the affected states—Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, and Bauchi—already had some of the highest percentages of out-of-school children in the country.
Bauchi topped the list, with 54% of children lacking access to education, followed by Kebbi (45%), Katsina (38%), and Kano (35%). The combined average for these states stood at 44%, significantly higher than the national average of 34%.
Amid the controversy, the Katsina State government reinforced its stance by ordering the closure of all private schools during Ramadan. In a circular issued by the state’s Hisbah Board, authorities warned that non-compliance would result in consequences.
“In accordance with the Katsina State Government’s directive, all private schools are required to close during the Ramadan period to allow pupils to fully observe the holy month,” the statement read.
“The directive also includes extra lessons. The Hisbah Board urges all school proprietors to strictly comply, as non-compliance will not be tolerated.”
It concluded with prayers: “May Allah accept our fast and grant us His blessings.”
Similarly, Bauchi State also directed private schools to shut down for five weeks, from February 26 to April 5, covering Ramadan and the Salah celebration.
According to the official academic calendar, the second term was divided into two phases, with a five-week break in between.
The policy led to growing discontent, with education advocates and parents expressing frustration.
Despite the backlash, the affected state governments remain firm in their decision, insisting that the closure aligns with the religious obligations of the majority Muslim population.