More States Close Schools in Observance of Ramadan; NANS Threatens Protests
On February 28, 2025, we analyzed the decision by the governments of Bauchi and Kebbi states to close schools for five weeks during the Ramadan period. In that report, we noted that while religious observance is a vital part of spiritual life, the impact of such a policy on education, particularly in states with high rates of educational deprivation raises serious concerns. Since then, new developments have emerged, with more states adopting similar policies and strong reactions from various stakeholders intensifying the national debate.
Since our initial analysis, the governments of Katsina and Kano states have also announced school closures for the entire Ramadan period, bringing the total to four states. Reports indicate that Sokoto State is also considering a similar measure, potentially adding to the growing list of states implementing this policy. The move, which affects both public and private schools, has drawn widespread reactions from religious groups, student organizations, and civil society.
Growing Opposition from Religious and Student Bodies
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), representing the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, has strongly condemned the move, arguing that it is unprecedented even in predominantly Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where schools remain open during Ramadan. CAN warned that such policies could set a dangerous precedent, leading to the marginalization of non-Muslim students and disruptions in academic progress.
Similarly, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has raised concerns over the impact of the decision on education, highlighting that Nigeria already has the highest number of out-of-school children globally. The Bishops called on the federal government to intervene, citing Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits any state from adopting a religion as a state policy.
In addition to religious bodies, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding the reversal of the policy. NANS has threatened nationwide protests if the affected states do not reopen schools within the given timeframe, arguing that the closures violate students’ rights to uninterrupted education and further exacerbate Nigeria’s education crisis.
Defense from Muslim Organizations
On the other hand, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has defended the decision of the governors, accusing CAN and other critics of unnecessary interference in Muslim affairs. MURIC insists that the affected states have Muslim-majority populations and that their governments have the right to implement policies that accommodate religious observances.
The Bauchi State Ministry of Education has also justified its decision, stating that the academic calendar was structured to ensure students complete their term’s curriculum before the break. Officials from the ministry have emphasized that this scheduling aligns with cultural and religious considerations while maintaining academic standards.
Public Reactions and the Ongoing Debate
The policy has sparked heated debates on social media, with many Nigerians questioning whether similar considerations would be extended to Christian religious observances. Some critics argue that the move prioritizes religion over education and contradicts the secular principles enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Others have defended the policy, stating that school calendars in the past have been adjusted for Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Some commentators have also pointed out that schools in the South often close for long periods during Christian festivities, suggesting that the outrage is selective.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about the broader implications of Sharia law in governance, with some questioning whether non-Muslims in affected states will be forced to comply with policies rooted in Islamic religious practices. The debate has reignited discussions about the role of religion in Nigerian governance, with many advocating for a more balanced approach that respects all religious groups.
The controversy surrounding the closure of schools for Ramadan continues to escalate, with mounting pressure on the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to reconsider their decisions. As the 72-hour deadline set by NANS approaches, the affected state governments must navigate a delicate balance between respecting religious observances and upholding the fundamental right to education. Whether they will reverse their decisions or stand by their policies remains to be seen, but the national discourse on religion and education in Nigeria is far from over.
