Some Northern state governments have announced the closure of schools during Ramadan, a decision that has sparked heated debates nationwide, especially from people in the South, including some Southern Muslims.
At first glance, it may sound strange to shut down schools for religious fasting, but before rushing to conclusions, we need to understand the full picture. This break was not an impromptu decision. In fact, schools were informed months in advance, and private schools in states like Kano had already adjusted their calendars since September 2024.
As a student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, I have experienced firsthand how unbearable the heat and temperature in the North can be. During peak dry season, which coincidentally falls within the Ramadan fasting period, Sokoto’s temperature can soar to 46°C or even higher.
Now, imagine children walking to school, sitting in poorly ventilated classrooms, and trying to focus on lessons while fasting under this heat.
In reality, this is not new. Many Northern schools have observed Ramadan breaks for years. Typically, schools close for some weeks, then extend for another week to allow students celebrate Eid before resuming. To make up for lost time, these same schools resume earlier than usual and often cancel midterm breaks to balance the academic calendar.
For those asking why only schools close while other sectors remain open, the answer is simple — schools are different. Young learners, many of whom already attempt fasting from as early as Primary 1, cannot be expected to cope with both hunger and harsh weather while maintaining full academic concentration. Parents also benefit, as they no longer have to rush to prepare early morning meals alongside school lunches, or endure the stress of afternoon school runs.
Concerns have also been raised about the effect of this break on crucial exams like WASSCE and BECE. From my experience, I can confidently say that SS3 and JSS3 students should already be fully prepared for these exams by the third term of SS2 and the first term of JSS3. Hence, the break should not be an issue in their preparation for their examinations.
What worries me more than the arguments themselves is the tone of some of these debates. It is okay to question decisions, but it becomes dangerous when it turns to mockery or insults. We are a diverse country with different realities, cultures, and faiths. Sometimes, policies are formulated to accommodate these differences, and that is not a threat, it is simply the reality of living in a multi-religious society.
It’s also worth asking, if schools were to close for Christmas or Easter, would we see the same outrage? In fact, Christian communities could use this Ramadan break to run holiday programs, vacation Bible schools, or even intensive revision classes for their children. Every challenge can become an opportunity, depending on how you view it.
Lastly, it is time to discard the tired stereotype that Southerners are automatically better educated than Northerners. Education is not just about fluent English or fancy grammar; it is about understanding your environment and adjusting your systems to suit your reality. Northern schools have shown this flexibility by tailoring their calendar to fit the climate, culture, and religious needs of their students. That is what true education looks like, adapting to life, not just following rigid rules.
In conclusion, the next time you hear about school closures in the North, before rushing to criticise, ask yourself: Have I ever experienced Ramadan fasting in 46°C weather? Have I ever been a parent waking my child at 5am to cook, pray, and prepare for school all at once? Sometimes, understanding starts with putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.
AUTHOR: Sebiotimo Abdullateef Ayomide
Articles published in our Graffiti section are strictly the opinion of the writers and do not represent the views of Ripples Nigeria or its editorial stand.
Source: Ripples
