JAMB, NECO Registrations at Risk as Northern States Close Schools for Ramadan

March 4, 2025 – Abuja, Nigeria – Students in Kebbi, Bauchi, and Kano States may face challenges preparing for upcoming JAMB UTME and NECO exams as their governments enforce statewide school closures during the Ramadan fasting period. The decision has triggered widespread criticism, with stakeholders warning that it could negatively impact students’ academic progress in a region already struggling with low literacy rates.

Despite ongoing JAMB and NECO registrations, the three state governments have insisted that schools must remain closed for Ramadan, arguing that the break was pre-planned and integrated into the academic calendar. However, critics argue that the closure comes at the wrong time, as students rely on these weeks for intensive preparation ahead of national exams.

CAN Condemns School Closures as “Educationally Harmful”

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been one of the strongest voices against the school closure policy, calling it counterproductive and detrimental to the future of students in the North. CAN President Daniel Okoh criticized the move, pointing out that it is not a common practice in other Muslim-majority nations, where education continues with adjusted schedules to accommodate fasting students.

“Closing schools at this critical time only worsens Nigeria’s education crisis. Many students in these states are preparing for JAMB and NECO—this break will hinder their studies and put them at a disadvantage compared to students in other states who remain in school,” Okoh warned.

JAMB, NECO Candidates Left in Limbo

With the JAMB UTME set to begin in April, students in these states now face uncertainty over their exam preparations. Many rely on their schools for structured learning, access to teachers, and exam practice, all of which will be unavailable during the Ramadan break.

While state officials have assured that the closure will only last two weeks, education advocates argue that every study day counts, especially for students aiming to secure admission into higher institutions.

Stakeholders Call for Alternative Solutions

Civil society organizations and education experts have urged state governments to reconsider the closure policy and instead implement alternative measures, such as:

• Reducing school hours during Ramadan
• Providing online learning options
• Allowing schools to remain open for exam classes

With the JAMB registration deadline fast approaching and exams around the corner, pressure is mounting on the governments of Kebbi, Bauchi, and Kano States to reverse or modify the closure directive. Whether they will respond remains uncertain, but for now, students in the affected states must navigate this setback as best they can.