The governments of Katsina, Kebbi, and Bauchi states have ordered all public and private schools to shut down for the entire month of Ramadan, sparking mixed reactions among parents, educators, and religious groups.
Officials say the move is aimed at allowing students and teachers to fully observe the holy month, dedicating time to fasting, prayers, and spiritual activities. However, many parents and education stakeholders are raising concerns over the impact on academic performance, especially for students preparing for major external examinations like WAEC, NECO, and JAMB.
In Bauchi, all schools—including private and faith-based institutions—have been instructed to remain closed for 40 days. The directive has left many parents frustrated, with some arguing that an early closing schedule would have been a better alternative to an outright shutdown.
One worried parent, Amos Ayuba, whose child is in SS3, said, “How can they be away from school for 40 days and be expected to perform well in exams immediately after? This is setting them up for failure.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and private school proprietors have also raised concerns, warning that the closure could undermine academic progress and disrupt peaceful coexistence among students of different faiths.
Reverend Musa Bogoro Zakka, Chairman of the Association of Christian Private Schools, emphasized the need for flexibility, saying, “If the holiday was made optional, it would promote inclusivity and allow Muslim students to fast while others continue learning.”
The decision has also led to debates about whether religious observances should dictate academic calendars, especially when tertiary institutions and other sectors of society continue operating as usual.
With education already facing numerous challenges in northern Nigeria, critics argue that prolonged school closures could further widen learning gaps. Meanwhile, the debate rages on whether the policy will remain in future academic years or undergo necessary adjustments to balance religious obligations with academic priorities.
