By Mustapha Usman and James Emmanuel
March 5, 2025
Four northern Nigerian states—Katsina, Kebbi, Bauchi, and Kano—have closed schools for the entire duration of Ramadan, allowing pupils and students to observe the fasting period. The decision, while not unprecedented, has reignited debates about the impact of extended school closures on education in a region already grappling with high out-of-school rates.
Ramadan Break Integrated into School Calendars
Ramadan, an annual fasting period lasting 28 to 30 days, is determined by the sighting of the moon’s crescent. In Bauchi State, the closure affects all public and private primary and secondary schools, as well as higher institutions of learning.
The Bauchi State Ministry of Education had already incorporated the break into its approved 2024–2025 academic calendar. According to the schedule, the second term began on January 5, 2025, but was divided into two phases. The first phase ran from January 5 to February 28, after which schools went on a five-week break from March 1 to April 5. Classes are scheduled to resume on April 6 and run until April 29, leaving students with just three weeks of learning before the term officially ends.
In Kebbi and Kano, schools also commenced their Ramadan break on March 1, with students expected to return for the third term on April 7.
Katsina Government Enforces Suspension of All Academic Activities
In Katsina, the situation is slightly different, as the Katsina State Hisbah Board, a morality enforcement agency, directed the suspension of all academic activities during Ramadan. This includes both regular school sessions and extra lessons. The directive applies to all schools, including those owned and operated by private individuals and religious organizations.
The Catholic Church, which runs several schools in the state, has criticized the decision, calling it a violation of their rights. Religious and educational stakeholders have also expressed concerns over the directive’s impact on students’ academic progress.
Concerns Over Learning Gaps
The extended school closures come amid a broader education crisis in northern Nigeria, where states like Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, and Kebbi rank among those with the highest numbers of out-of-school children. Education advocates warn that the five-week break could further widen learning gaps, especially for students preparing for national examinations.
“While religious and cultural considerations are important, we must also think about the long-term effects on students’ education,” said an education policy analyst in Bauchi. “Many of these students are already struggling with limited instructional time. Losing another month of learning could be detrimental.”
As the break continues, parents, educators, and policymakers remain divided on the issue. While some see it as a necessary accommodation for religious observance, others worry about the long-term consequences for education in the region.