By Adeniyi Yusuf
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), and some Nigerians have condemned four northern governors for ordering school closures during Ramadan.
The governments of Katsina, Kebbi, and Bauchi states have directed all schools—public and private—to go on holiday for the entire month of Ramadan, during which Muslims observe strict fasting.
The governments stated that the holiday was intended to allow students, teachers, and other stakeholders to observe the holy month, which begins on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
According to Kebbi State’s revised 2024/2025 academic calendar, the second term will conclude on February 28, 2025, and Ramadan will commence on March 1, 2025.
Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, said the state government approved the break to enable the Muslim communities in the state’s educational institutions to fully engage in fasting, prayers, and other religious activities associated with Ramadan.
The Katsina State government also directed all schools in the state to shut down for Ramadan.
The Commander-General of the state’s Hisbah Board, Dr. Aminu Usm, issued a statement specifically ordering private schools to close and warning against non-compliance.
The holiday directive in Bauchi State, issued by the Ministry of Education, stated that all schools operating in the state, including private and faith-based institutions, are expected to remain closed for the next 40 days.
Read Also: Women’s education is essential to defeating extremism in Africa
Read Also: Ramadan: NAPTAN faults Bauchi, Katsina for shutting down schools
Meanwhile, The New Daily Prime reported that data from the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that the four states have some of the highest percentages of out-of-school children in the country.
In a statement on Sunday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the school closures as a threat to educational continuity, equity, and national unity.
He condemned the decision by the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to shut down all public and private schools to accommodate Ramadan fasting.
The association emphasized that education is a fundamental right and the foundation of societal progress, warning that prolonged school closures would disrupt academic schedules and exacerbate the already critical issue of out-of-school children in the affected states.
“Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi already face alarming rates of out-of-school children, averaging 44%—far above the national average. Closing schools for an extended period will only deepen this crisis and undermine efforts to ensure quality education for all,” the statement read.
“Policies affecting diverse populations—Muslims, Christians, and others—must result from inclusive dialogue. Unfortunately, that has not happened, and such unilateral decisions erode trust and unity in our pluralistic society,” CAN stated.
Drawing comparisons with Islamic-majority nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, CAN pointed out that these countries do not shut down schools for the entire fasting period but instead implement adjusted schedules or flexible learning arrangements.
“If Islamic heartlands can maintain a balance between education and religious observance, Nigeria’s northern states should follow suit. A five-week closure is excessive and lacks global precedent,” CAN argued.
The association urged the governors of Bauchi (Bala Mohammed), Katsina (Dikko Umar Radda), Kano (Abba Kabir Yusuf), and Kebbi (Nasir Idris) to open channels of dialogue with religious bodies, school owners, parents, and civil society to reassess the directive.
CAN further warned that it would seek legal recourse if the closures persist.
While urging Christians, Muslims, and all residents of the affected states to remain peaceful, CAN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting interfaith harmony but insisted that the rights of students and families who do not observe Ramadan must be respected.
Speaking on the matter, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) criticized the closure of public and private schools in these states.
The MBF described the decision as “a stark confirmation of the long-standing fears among non-Muslims in these states—that the implementation of Sharia does not differentiate between Muslims and non-Muslims.”
In a statement by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, shared with newsmen in Kaduna, the MBF argued that the school closures were unnecessary.
“This action serves as a stark confirmation of the long-standing fears among non-Muslims in these states—that the implementation of Sharia does not differentiate between Muslims and non-Muslims.”
On social media, many Nigerians have criticized the states’ decisions.
Tweeting on X, @opeyemi_bodunde said, “How can a state governor close all schools because of Ramadan fasting? What is the logic and reason behind this decision, without considering Christian students? Nigeria is a secular state, and this action is in gross violation of Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. In Saudi Arabia, where Islam originates, schools don’t close during fasting. We are governed by people with retrogressive thoughts and actions.”
Another Nigerian, @omorogeic, tweeted, “Tomorrow is Monday; they should be in court already. Christian students aren’t obligated to fast, so why keep them out of school?”
Similarly, @AguAgu170292 noted, “Nigeria still has a long way to go. In Saudi Arabia, schools are not closed during Ramadan. Only in Nigeria do we practice two laws with different cultures and beliefs. The definition of a country should make us realize that Nigeria is not a country but Britain’s enterprise.”
Reacting, @fash_olu tweeted, “I wonder whether some states in the northern region have exclusive power to declare holidays that infringe on the educational rights of other religious groups. These upside-down-thinking governors need to be educated and checked by the federal government. They are up to ugly things.”
Other Nigerians have also called on the federal government to address the issue.
