The Katsina State Government has defended its decision to shut down schools during the holy month of Ramadan, assuring the public that steps have been taken to prevent significant academic setbacks.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through its spokesperson, Sani Danjuma, emphasized that the policy aims to strike a balance between religious commitments and educational progress.
“Given ongoing discussions regarding school activities, the ministry has designed a plan to ensure minimal disruption while acknowledging the challenges associated with Ramadan,” the statement noted.
Danjuma pointed out that the decision took into account the harsh weather conditions in northern Nigeria and the additional strain fasting places on both students and teachers.
To compensate for lost instructional time, the government has arranged special extra lessons for students preparing for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) across public, private, and community schools.
Additionally, the ministry reaffirmed that a state law mandates school closures during Ramadan.
Addressing concerns raised by stakeholders, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the ministry assured that the extra lessons—set to begin on March 3, 2025—would be structured to accommodate fasting students and teachers while considering environmental factors.