FG Engaging Govts To Reopen Schools Shut For Ramadan, Says Minister

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Federal Government has initiated discussions with state governments to ensure the reopening of schools closed in observance of Ramadan, according to the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over disruptions to the academic calendar in several states where schools have been shut to honor the Islamic holy month.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Yola, Ahmad emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing religious observances with the need to maintain educational continuity.

“We are actively engaging with state governments to find a workable solution,” she said. “Education is a priority, and while we respect the significance of Ramadan, we must ensure that our students are not unduly affected by prolonged closures.”

We are actively engaging with state governments to find a workable solution

The minister’s statement follows reports of school shutdowns in states with significant Muslim populations, a practice aimed at allowing students and staff to fully participate in fasting and religious activities.

However, the closures have sparked mixed reactions, with some parents and education stakeholders expressing worry over the impact on learning schedules, especially as national examinations loom.

Ahmad assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Education is collaborating with state authorities to devise a plan that accommodates both educational and spiritual needs. “We are exploring options such as adjusting school hours or providing supplementary classes to bridge any gaps,” she added. “Our goal is to reopen schools as soon as possible while remaining sensitive to the cultural and religious context.”

Our goal is to reopen schools as soon as possible while remaining sensitive to the cultural and religious context

She calls on state governors to prioritize dialogue and swift action to resolve the issue, stressing that education remains a cornerstone of national development.

The Ramadan period, which began earlier this month, is expected to last until early April 2025. Historically, some northern states have implemented partial or full school closures during this time, a tradition that has often stirred debate about its implications for academic progress.

Education advocates have welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention, with some urging a standardized policy to prevent future disruptions. “It’s commendable that the FG is stepping in,” said Aisha Ibrahim, a teacher in Adamawa State. “But we need a long-term framework to ensure this doesn’t become an annual challenge.”

But we need a long-term framework to ensure this doesn’t become an annual challenge

As discussions continue, the nation watches closely to see how this delicate balance between faith and education will be struck. For now, the Federal Government’s engagement with state authorities signals a determined effort to get students back into classrooms without delay.