Bauchi has the highest rate (54%) of out-of-school children, followed by Kebbi (45%), Katsina (38%), and Kano (35%).*
March 13, 2025
Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi governors; Saudi kids in class
The federal government has condemned Bauchi, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kano’s governors for sending children away from school to observe Ramadan .
There is no religious basis for shutting down schools during Ramadan. Even in countries like Saudi Arabia, which are recognised as Muslim nations, educational institutions continue to function normally during this period,” said the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, in a statement on Wednesday.
Ms Ahmad acknowledged the autonomy of the states in managing their education systems but insisted that “closing schools for Ramadan is unnecessary and detrimental to student learning.”
According to UNICEF, Nigeria has 18.3 million out-of-school children, with Bauchi having the highest rate of 54 per cent, followed by Kebbi with 45 per cent. Katsina has 38 per cent, and Kano is fourth with 35 per cent.
