Danjuma highlighted that the decision considered extreme weather conditions in northern Nigeria and the unique difficulties faced by students and teachers during fasting.
The Katsina State government has again defended its decision to close schools during Ramadan, insisting that academic disruptions will be minimised despite concerns over the state’s high out-of-school children rates.
In a statement on Tuesday, the state Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through its Public Relations Officer, Sani Danjuma, explained that the move aimed to balance religious observance with academic continuity.
“In response to ongoing discussions about school operations, the ministry has developed a strategy to minimise academic disruption while recognising the challenges posed by Ramadan,” the statement read.
Danjuma highlighted that the decision considered extreme weather conditions in northern Nigeria and the unique difficulties faced by students and teachers during fasting.
To mitigate the impact of the closure, the government has arranged special extra lessons for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) candidates in public, private, and community schools.
The ministry also reminded the public of an existing state law mandating school closures during Ramadan.
Stakeholders, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had raised concerns over the impact of the closure.
In response, the ministry assured that extra lessons, starting on March 3, 2025, would be structured to accommodate both students and teachers observing Ramadan while considering environmental conditions.
The decision has sparked further debate, particularly as Katsina is among four northern states—along with Kebbi, Kano, and Bauchi—where out-of-school children rates are significantly higher than the national average.
A review of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data by SaharaReporters last Thursday revealed that Bauchi has the highest percentage of children lacking access to education at 54%, followed by Kebbi at 45%, Katsina at 38%, and Kano at 35%.
On average, these states have 44% of children out of school, compared to the national average of 34%.
Amid the controversy, a circular issued by the Katsina State Hisbah Board on February 27, 2025, reiterated the closure directive, warning that non-compliance would have consequences.
“In accordance with the Katsina State Government’s directive, all private schools are required to close during the Ramadan period to allow pupils to fully observe the holy month,” the statement had read.
“The directive also includes extra lessons. The Hisbah Board urges all school proprietors to strictly comply, as non-compliance will not be tolerated.”