“Even Saudi Kids Are in Class During Ramadan” – FG Tells Northern Governors

The Federal Government has criticised the decision of some northern governors to shut down schools during Ramadan, calling it unnecessary and harmful to students’ education. In a statement released Wednesday, Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, called out the governors of Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi, urging them to reconsider the closures.

“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.

While acknowledging that states have autonomy over their education systems, the minister stressed that keeping children out of school during the holy month undermines learning outcomes and widens existing educational gaps.

UNICEF data shows Nigeria currently has 18.3 million out-of-school children. Bauchi leads with the highest rate at 54 per cent, followed by Kebbi at 45 per cent, Katsina at 38 per cent, and Kano at 35 per cent. These four states account for a significant portion of Nigeria’s education crisis, and the federal government maintains that closing schools during Ramadan will only worsen the situation.