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A Call for Ramadan Break in Nigerian Universities: Let Muslim Students and Lecturers Worship Freely -By Yasir Shehu Adam

Whoever facilitates this initiative will receive endless blessings from Allah. Every act of worship performed by a student or lecturer—made easier because of this break—will count as a reward for those who supported the motion.
This is an opportunity for President Tinubu, lawmakers, and university leaders to leave a lasting legacy in service to Islam.

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8 months ago

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Muslim prayer
Ramadan is a sacred and deeply spiritual month for Muslims worldwide, a time dedicated to fasting, prayers, Qur’an recitation, charity, and reflection. However, in Nigerian universities, Muslim students and lecturers struggle to balance their religious obligations with academic demands, making it difficult to fully observe this special month.
Despite Nigeria being a Muslim-majority country, there is no structured academic break during Ramadan, while Christian students enjoy two to three weeks off during Christmas and New Year celebrations. This situation is unfair and must be addressed to ensure religious inclusivity in Nigeria’s education system.
I am calling on the Federal Government, university authorities, and lawmakers to adjust the academic calendar to allow Muslim students and lecturers to worship freely during Ramadan.
A Call to President Tinubu and Key Government Officials
As the leader of a Muslim-Muslim administration, I urge His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to take a historic step by ensuring that Ramadan is recognized as a break period in Nigerian universities. I also call on:
– Vice President Kashim Shettima
– Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila
– Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas
– Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin
This administration has an opportunity to bring relief to millions of Muslim students and lecturers while earning immense rewards from Allah for facilitating their worship.
Appeal to Muslim Senators and Governors
I also urge Muslim senators—especially those representing states where 70% to 95% of the population are Muslims—to push for this motion. States such as Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and others have millions of Muslim students who would benefit from this policy.
Notable lawmakers who should support this initiative include:
– Senator Shehu Buba Umar (Bauchi South)
– Senator Abdul Ahmad Ningi (Bauchi Central)
– Senator Kawu Sumaila (Kano South)
– DSP Barau Jibrin (Kano North)
Supporting this call will strengthen their connection with the people and demonstrate their commitment to Islam and justice.
University Governing Councils Must Act
University governing councils—especially in Muslim-majority regions—should take the lead in adjusting their academic calendars. Institutions such as:
– Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU)
– Bayero University Kano (BUK)
– Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
– University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
– Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS)
– Federal Polytechnic Bauchi
– Katsina University
… and many others should restructure their academic schedules to allow students and lecturers to observe Ramadan without academic pressure.
Ensuring Religious Fairness in Nigeria’s Education System
Currently, Christian students receive long breaks for Christmas and New Year, yet Muslim students get only two or three days off for Eid celebrations. In a democratic society, religious equality should be a priority.
Moreover, the current weekend structure favors Christians, with Sundays being work-free, while Muslims still attend work and school on Fridays—their most important day of worship.
If Nigeria truly values religious harmony and fairness, then a Ramadan break should be implemented, just as Christmas breaks exist for Christian students.
Proposed Implementation
To accommodate Ramadan without disrupting academic calendars, I propose the following:
1. Ramadan Break as an Official Academic Holiday – The entire month of Ramadan should be recognized as a break between semesters to allow for proper worship.
2. At Least a Break for the Last Ten Days of Ramadan – If a full month is not feasible, then the last ten days—the holiest period of Ramadan—should be declared a break.
A Divine Reward for Supporting This Cause
Whoever facilitates this initiative will receive endless blessings from Allah. Every act of worship performed by a student or lecturer—made easier because of this break—will count as a reward for those who supported the motion.
This is an opportunity for President Tinubu, lawmakers, and university leaders to leave a lasting legacy in service to Islam.
Final Words
As a student and journalist, I have personally experienced the hardships Muslim students face during Ramadan. Attending lectures, writing exams, and fasting simultaneously is physically and mentally exhausting. Implementing a Ramadan break will ease these struggles and allow Muslims to observe their faith without compromise.
I urge every Muslim student, lecturer, and religious leader to support this motion and amplify this message. Together, we can ensure that Nigerian universities recognize and respect the spiritual needs of millions of Muslims in this country.
May Allah bless our leaders with wisdom and guidance to do what is right.
Yasir Shehu Adam (Danliman), Young Journalist and writer from Bauchi.
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