By Segun Onibiyo
(Bauchi, Nigeria) – Authorities in several northern Nigerian states, including Katsina, Kebbi, and Bauchi, have announced the suspension of classes across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions to mark the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. These closures, effective from March 1, 2025, aim to allow Muslim students and teachers to fully observe the fast, a practice common in parts of northern Nigeria with a Muslim-majority population.
Hisbah Enforcement of School Closures
In Katsina State, the Hisbah Board has directed all private schools to shut down for the duration of Ramadan. A circular issued by the Katsina State Hisbah Board, dated February 27, 2025, and signed by Commandant General Aminu Usman, warned that failure to comply would have consequences.
Similarly, in Kebbi and Bauchi states, Hisbah officials have intensified enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with the school closure directives. These measures are intended to allow students and teachers to focus on fasting and spiritual activities during Ramadan.
Impact on Non-Muslim Students
The closures have raised concerns among Christian communities in these states. Reverend David Ayuba Azzaman, a Kaduna-based Christian cleric, criticized the policy, stating:
“Why should millions of Nigerians lose access to education because of a non-constitutional issue? Nigeria is a secular state, and Islamic laws should be restricted to the personal and private lives of Muslims, not enforced on Christians and non-Muslims.”
He further argued that this move is a deliberate attempt by the government to impose Islamic laws on Christians, who form a significant portion of the population in Bauchi, Katsina, and Kebbi states.
Middle Belt Forum’s Stance
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), an umbrella organization representing more than 50 million Nigerians—predominantly Christians—across Northern Nigeria, has strongly condemned the school closures during Ramadan. In an exclusive interview with TruthNigeria, MBF National President Dr. Bitrus Pogu, denounced the policy, calling it discriminatory and a violation of Nigeria’s secular constitutional principles.
“The closure of schools in these Sharia-practicing states starkly confirms the long-standing fears of non-Muslims: that Sharia implementation does not distinguish between Muslims and non-Muslims,” Pogu stated. “It is deeply unjust that Christian and other non-Muslim students are forced to sacrifice their education because Muslims are observing Ramadan. While their peers in secular states continue learning, these children are left idle, unprepared for the same national examinations.”
Pogu linked the directive to the demands of Muslim extremists, warning:
“This regressive policy mirrors Boko Haram’s war on Western education. By sidelining secular education, these states are drifting from Nigeria’s constitutional framework. The nation must not ignore this.”
Calls for Restructuring and Federal Intervention
The MBF leader reiterated demands for Nigeria’s restructuring to address growing religious polarization, stating:
“This underscores why the Middle Belt and Southern Forum insist on restructuring. Religious intolerance is eroding collective liberties, and Nigeria’s unity cannot survive such exclusion.”
President Bola Tinubu Urged to intervene
“President Tinubu must prevent these states from sliding into fundamentalism. Had past leaders such as Olusegun Obasanjo enforced constitutional secularism, we wouldn’t be here. Tinubu must now defend non-Muslims’ rights against Sharia’s oppressive reach.”
Constitutional and Humanitarian Concerns
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution prohibits state religions. While state governments cite Ramadan observance as justification, critics argue the policy disproportionately harms religious minorities.
“Education is a universal right, not a religious privilege,” Pogu told TruthNigeria. “Over 25 percent of Niger, Bauchi, Katsina, and Kebbi’s populations are Christians. Why must their children bear the cost of others’ faith?”
Human-rights groups warn the closures deepen inequality, with non-Muslim students in the North already lagging behind southern peers in national exam performance.
Federal Silence Stokes Tensions
The Tinubu administration has yet to comment on the closures, fueling accusations of federal complacency toward religious marginalization. Analysts warn the policy risks inflaming sectarian divisions in a region already grappling with insurgency and communal violence.
“Nigeria cannot thrive if sections of its population are systemically excluded,” Pogu asserted. “Either we uphold secularism, or we cease to be a united nation,” Pogu said.
Segun Onibiyo is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
