No Going Back On The Closure Of Schools Over Ramadan – Kano Govt.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Despite strident opposition ,the Kano state Government on Thursday March 6, 2025 insisted that public and private schools will remain closed through out the Ramadan period.

Kano, Kebbi ,Bauchi and Katsina states’ decision to shut down educational institutions till the end of the holy month has been met with a plethora  of criticisms from not a few quarters.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN , the Middle  Belt Forum and many Civil Society groups have all condemned the directive as  retrogressive, insensitive to  the diversity of the country, and even outrightly against the fundamental rights of the people.

The umbrella body of Christians in the country  CAN, described  the directive as representing a serious threat to  educational continuity, equity and National cohesion.

Consequently, CAN, in a statement issued by its National President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Sunday, March 2, 2025 called on Governors of the affected states to reconsider the directives in the interest of national uni

It, however, warned that it will not hesitate to explore legal options to press home its demand.

“Should these rights continue to be in jeopardy, we are prepared to seek restraining orders from Courts to protect the constitutional rights to education and freedom of conscience”, CAN stated .

However, in a statement on Thursday, the Director of Special Duties, Kano State Ministry of Education, Mustapha Yahya, warned all schools operating in the state to adhere strictly to  the closure directives.

According to him, all schools must close on February 28, 2025, to reopen on April 6, 2025 as contained in the earlier Government directives.

He warned of severe punishment for any institutions that flouts the closure order.

“All primary and post-primary schools in Kano State must close on Friday, February, 28, 2025, and reopen on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Schools that fail to comply with this directive will face appropriate sanctions.

This measure is to ensure improved teaching and learning while promoting balanced and sustainable growth in schools across the State”, the statement reads in part.