The governments of Kebbi, Bauchi, and Kano States have firmly decided to maintain the school holidays granted for the Ramadan fast, rejecting calls from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to reconsider. On Monday, Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State governor, explained that the decision followed thorough consultations with key stakeholders, including religious leaders, parents, and CAN representatives. He emphasized that the closure, lasting no more than two weeks, aligns with the existing academic calendar and will not disrupt schooling.
In Kano, Balarabe Kiru, the State Director of Public Enlightenment at the Ministry of Education, echoed this stance, noting that the decision stemmed from a stakeholders’ meeting attended by CAN and was endorsed by the State Executive Council. He asserted that there is no basis for reversing the directive. Likewise, Bauchi State’s Commissioner for Education, Lawal Zayam, defended the closures, stating they were planned in the 2024/2025 academic calendar with input from stakeholders, including private school owners, one of whom is Christian. He argued that the holiday fits seamlessly into the academic schedule, with students resuming for two weeks to wrap up the second term before advancing to the third.
In contrast, CAN in the 19 northern states and Abuja strongly criticized the closures in Kebbi, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, and other Shariah-influenced states, where schools have been shut for up to five weeks. Northern CAN Chairman Rev. John Joseph Hayab, speaking from Kaduna, warned that the prolonged closures threaten students’ preparation for critical exams like the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Junior Secondary School tests. He highlighted the region’s educational setbacks, worsened by insecurity and poverty, citing National Bureau of Statistics data showing high percentages of children out of school—54% in Bauchi, 45% in Kebbi, 38% in Katsina, and 35% in Kano. Hayab also pointed out that countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE keep schools open during Ramadan, suggesting reduced hours as a better alternative. He accused the closures of being politically motivated rather than religiously necessary, urging governors to prioritize education and avoid portraying the region negatively.
CAN called for calm and dialogue, encouraging stakeholders and Nigerians to resolve the issue peacefully. Meanwhile, Yobe State has taken a different approach, keeping schools open during Ramadan. At Bukar Ali El-Kanemi Primary School in Damaturu, classes continued on Monday, though Sarki Musa Memorial Academy adjusted its schedule, closing at noon instead of 1:30 p.m. and pausing Quranic classes to accommodate fasting students.
Additionally, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris approved shorter working hours for civil servants during Ramadan, with offices now operating from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays, according to Commissioner Awwal Manu Dogondaji. Normal hours will resume post-Ramadan, and he urged citizens to pray for peace and stability in the state and nation.
