FG slams Governors for shutting schools during Ramadan, cites Saudi Arabia example

March 14, 2025

The Federal Government has condemned the governors of Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi for closing schools during Ramadan, stating that there is no religious basis for such action.

Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, emphasized that even in Saudi Arabia, a recognized Muslim nation, schools remain open during Ramadan.

Ahmad acknowledged the autonomy of the states in managing their education systems but stressed that closing schools for Ramadan is unnecessary and detrimental to student learning.

This move is particularly concerning given the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, with UNICEF reporting 18.3 million children absent from classrooms.

Bauchi has the highest rate of out-of-school children at 54%, followed by Kebbi at 45%, Katsina at 38%, and Kano at 35% .

FG directive to reopen schools comes amid concerns that prolonged closures will exacerbate the educational crisis in the North.