The states in question—Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, and Bauchi—reportedly have significantly higher rates of children deprived of school attendance compared to the national average.
Amid the controversy surrounding the decision of four northern states to shut down schools for Ramadan, a review of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data by SaharaReporters has shown that these states have some of the highest percentages of out-of-school children in the country.
The states in question—Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, and Bauchi—reportedly have significantly higher rates of children deprived of school attendance compared to the national average.
According to the NBS’s Multidimensional Poverty Index, Bauchi State has the highest percentage of children lacking access to education, with a figure of 54%.
Kano State follows with 35%, Katsina at 38%, and Kebbi at 45%. On average, these four states have 44% of children deprived of education, which is 10 percentage points higher than the national average of 34%.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Katsina State government ordered the closure of all private schools in the state for the duration of Ramadan.
In a circular issued by the Katsina State Hisbah Board, the government warned that non-compliance would have consequences.
The circular, dated February 27, 2025, was signed by the Commandant General, Aminu Usman.
“In accordance with the Katsina State Government’s directive, all private schools are required to close during the Ramadan period to allow pupils to fully observe the holy month,” the statement read.
Bauchi Closes Schools For 5 Weeks For Ramadan, Warns Private Schools Against Defying Closure Order
Feb 27, 2025
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“The directive also includes extra lessons. The Hisbah Board urges all school proprietors to strictly comply, as non-compliance will not be tolerated.”
“May Allah accept our fast and grant us His blessings,” the statement concluded.
SaharaReporters previously reported that Bauchi State had issued a similar directive, ordering private schools to shut down for five weeks.
According to the directive, schools in Bauchi will remain closed from February 26, 2025, until the end of Ramadan and the Salah celebration, with classes resuming on April 5.
The official academic calendar obtained by SaharaReporters indicates that the second term of the 2024/2025 session began on January 5, 2025.
However, the Bauchi State government divided the term into two phases: the first from January 5 to February 28, followed by a five-week break from March 1 to April 5. Classes are set to resume from April 6 to April 29.
The directive has sparked outrage following SaharaReporters’ coverage, though the government remains firm in its decision.
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