Katsina Govt Announces ‘Special Classes’ For SSCE Candidates Amid Backlash Over Sch Closure For Ramadan

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Katsina State Government has unveiled plans to introduce “special classes” for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) candidates, a move aimed at addressing mounting criticism over its decision to close schools during the holy month of Ramadan.

The announcement, made on Tuesday, comes in response to widespread backlash from parents, educators, and religious groups who have labeled the month-long closure as disruptive to students’ academic progress, particularly for those preparing for critical national examinations.

The closure, affecting all public, private, and community schools, aligns with a longstanding state law mandating a Ramadan break to allow students and teachers to observe the Islamic fasting period. However, this year’s decision has sparked fierce debate, with stakeholders arguing that it jeopardizes the preparation of SSCE candidates for exams conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO), and other bodies.

The controversy intensified after the Katsina Hisbah Board issued a stern warning last week, threatening consequences for private schools that defy the closure order.

The government acknowledged the concerns raised by various groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which had criticized the policy as exclusionary and detrimental to non-Muslim students

In a statement released by Sani Danjuma Suleiman, Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the government acknowledged the concerns raised by various groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which had criticized the policy as exclusionary and detrimental to non-Muslim students. “The Ministry has specifically designed extra lessons for SSCE candidates across public, private, and community schools,” Suleiman declared.

“These special classes, commencing March 3, 2025, will ensure that final-year students remain on track for their examinations despite the Ramadan closure.”

The government emphasized that the initiative reflects a balanced approach, respecting religious observance while mitigating academic disruption.

These special classes, commencing March 3, 2025, will ensure that final-year students remain on track for their examinations despite the Ramadan closure

The special classes will be tailored to accommodate the fasting period and the region’s harsh weather conditions, which often exacerbate challenges during Ramadan.

“We are committed to maintaining high academic standards while honoring the spiritual needs of our people,” Suleiman added, urging schools to implement the program with sensitivity to students of all faiths.

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions. Some parents and educators welcomed the compromise, viewing it as a practical solution to safeguard students’ futures.

We are committed to maintaining high academic standards while honoring the spiritual needs of our people

“This is a step in the right direction,” said Aisha Mohammed, a parent in Katsina. “My daughter is preparing for WAEC, and I was worried she’d fall behind. These classes give me hope.” However, others remain skeptical, questioning the feasibility of the plan amid logistical challenges like transportation and teacher availability during the fasting month.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States, a vocal critic of the closure, has yet to formally respond to the special classes initiative. Earlier this week, CAN argued that the policy undermines Nigeria’s secular principles and disproportionately affects non-Muslim students, calling for a reversal or a more inclusive approach akin to practices in countries like Saudi Arabia, where schools remain open with adjusted schedules during Ramadan.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration has defended the closure as a cultural and religious necessity, rooted in Katsina’s identity. However, the introduction of special classes signals a willingness to adapt amid growing pressure.

Critics, including the National President of the Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (PTAN), Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, have urged the government to reconsider the blanket closure entirely, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for education in the region. “Education should not be sacrificed for any reason,” Danjuma stated.