The decision by Katsina, Kebbi, Bauchi, and Kano States to shut down schools for the entire Ramadan period has reignited concerns over the persistent education challenges in northern Nigeria.
Reports from The ICIR confirm that these states have suspended academic activities to allow students observe the annual Ramadan fast, which lasts between 28 to 30 days, depending on 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. The state ministry of education had incorporated the Ramadan break into the official 2024–2025 academic calendar, which divided the second term into two phases.
According to the schedule, the first phase of the term ran from January 5 to February 28, 2025, followed by a five-week break from March 1 to April 5. The second phase is set to resume from April 6 to April 29, leaving students with only three weeks of learning before the term officially ends—raising concerns about the adequacy of instructional time.
In Kebbi and Kano, the revised academic calendars show that the Ramadan break began on March 1, 2025, with students expected to return for the third term on April 7, 2025.
In Katsina State, the Hisbah Board, a government-backed morality enforcement agency, ordered the suspension of all academic activities, including extra lessons, during Ramadan. The directive applies to both public and private schools, as well as those run by religious organizations.
The Catholic Church, which operates some of the affected schools, has described the decision as a violation of their rights, highlighting concerns about religious freedom and the broader impact on education in the region.
