‘Even Saudi Arabia doesn’t close schools for Ramadan,’ Education Minister faults move by 4 northern states

Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, has criticized the decision of four northern states – Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano – to shut down state-owned schools during the Ramadan fasting period.

The four states had announced the compulsory closure of schools from March 1 for the Ramadan period, a move many Nigerians have condemned especially as the northern region has some of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the country.

The Minister who also condemned the decision in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said the move was counterproductive as there was no where else in the world that schools are closed because of fasting.

Ahmad argued that such practice is not followed in any Muslim-majority country and that keeping schools open during Ramadan is the standard norm, even in nations where Islam is the dominant religion.

“There is no religious basis for shutting down schools during Ramadan. Even in countries like Saudi Arabia, which are recognised as Muslim nations, educational institutions continue to function normally during this period,” Ahmad said in the statement.

She acknowledged that though each state has the authority to make decisions regarding its education system, but stressed that the Federal Ministry of Education can engage with these states and present its position on the matter.

“We respect the autonomy of states in managing their education systems, but we strongly believe that closing schools for Ramadan is unnecessary and detrimental to student learning.

“Our role is to engage in constructive dialogue with the states and advocate for policies that prioritise education,” she said.

The Minister also noted that the ministry has appealed to the governments of the four states to reconsider their decision to shut down state-owned schools for Ramadan, expressing concern that the closure would lead to significant loss of learning time.

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