Godsent Ogbebor
Bauchi, Kebbi, Kano Shut Schools for Ramadan
The Bauchi State Government has announced a school break to coincide with the commencement of Ramadan, a decision that has sparked debates over the role of religious observances in academic planning.
According to the 2024/2025 academic calendar released by the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, the second term, which began on January 6, 2025, was initially scheduled to run for 11 weeks.
However, a five-week holiday has been approved, beginning on March 1 and ending on April 5, aligning with the Islamic holy month of fasting.
This move has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising it as a necessary adjustment for Muslim students to fully engage in religious activities, while others argue it prioritizes faith over education.
Critics fear prolonged school closures could affect academic performance, while supporters believe it aligns with the structured curriculum.
Amid the debate, the Kebbi and Kano state governments have also announced similar school closures.
The Kebbi State Ministry of Education stated that the decision would allow Muslim students and teachers to focus on Ramadan obligations. Schools are expected to resume on April 7.
In Kano, the education ministry directed that schools conclude the second term on February 28, with boarding school students returning on April 6 and day students on April 7.
The decision has sparked discussions on social media, with some questioning whether similar considerations would be extended to non-Muslim religious observances.
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Others argue that the adjustments reflect the cultural and religious makeup of the affected states.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government is reportedly considering a shorter Ramadan break, though no official announcement has been made.
In contrast, Zamfara State has opted to keep schools open during Ramadan, with the second-term examination set to begin on March 10.
As debates continue, stakeholders have called for a more structured policy on balancing religious observances with academic schedules to ensure fairness for students of all backgrounds.
