Kano State Government Declares 12-Day School Closure for Eid

Kano State Government Declares 12-Day School Closure for Eid

Kano State Government has announced a 12-day holiday closure for all public and private primary and secondary schools in celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival. This move comes as a relief for thousands of students and teachers who have been immersed in tight academic schedules.

The announcement was made through the Ministry of Education, with a directive instructing schools across the state to begin their holiday break on Wednesday, June 4. Classes will resume on Sunday, June 15. The government emphasized that the calendar adjustment will not affect the integrity of the ongoing 2024/2025 academic year.

In a statement signed by Balarabe Kiru, Director of Public Enlightenment at the ministry, parents of boarding school students were asked to collect their children early on June 4. This decision was made to ensure that families could celebrate together and that no child was left unattended during the religious holiday.

The statement further quoted the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ali Makoda, who praised parents and guardians for their continued partnership with schools. “I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the usual support and cooperation given to the Ministry by the good people of the state and also wish the students and pupils a successful Sallah break,” Dr. Makoda said.

Kano State Government took care to reassure all stakeholders that while schools are observing the Eid break, the structure of the academic year will remain unchanged. There will be no extensions or loss of learning time. All prior schedules, including public holidays and examination dates, are still valid.

The government said the goal was to respect cultural and religious values while upholding academic discipline. This balance reflects the administration’s commitment to education and its sensitivity to community traditions.

For many families in Kano, the Eid-el-Kabir holiday represents more than a religious event. It is a time for bonding, prayers, and acts of charity. It gives children a chance to reconnect with extended family, help in preparations, and participate in community feasts.

Amina Usman, a mother of three schoolchildren, welcomed the announcement. “This gives us time to plan ahead and involve the children in the Sallah celebrations. It’s not just a break for them; it’s a family moment we cherish.”

Teachers across the state also expressed gratitude. With busy academic timetables, many see the Eid break as a chance to rest, reflect, and reset for the second half of the term. Some plan to travel to their hometowns, while others will remain in Kano to celebrate with loved ones.

“I always look forward to Eid because it brings peace and joy,” said Abdullahi Musa, a social studies teacher in one of Kano’s public schools. “It’s also the one time I get to relax with my children without worrying about grading or lesson plans.”

The festival of Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid al-Adha, holds deep spiritual meaning for Muslims. It commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command, a sacrifice ultimately substituted with a ram. Across Kano, families observe the tradition with prayers, livestock sacrifice, and charity to those in need.

Communities are already buzzing with preparations—markets are busy, tailors are working overtime, and food stalls are heating up with traditional delicacies. The government’s timely notice gives parents ample opportunity to include their children in these preparations, teaching them about the values of giving, gratitude, and faith.

Religious leaders in the state have lauded the government’s initiative. Sheikh Nura Jibrin, an Imam in Gwale, noted that the decision would reduce the stress on parents and allow children to fully experience the significance of the holiday. “Letting the young ones witness the spirit of sacrifice and sharing is the best lesson they can learn outside the classroom,” he said.

While some countries will observe Eid-el-Kabir on June 6 and others on June 7 due to varying moon sighting traditions, Kano residents are gearing up for what promises to be a memorable celebration, regardless of the exact date. The flexibility in planning gives communities time to prepare food, clothes, and livestock without the pressure of school commitments.

Kano State Government, through this school holiday directive, has struck a balance between cultural respect and academic order. It’s not just about giving children time off; it’s about allowing them to grow within their faith and society, without disrupting their learning journey.

Some school heads have already begun sharing take-home assignments to ensure students keep their minds active during the break. While the ministry didn’t mandate it, several institutions see it as a way to keep learning continuous.

In private homes, the buzz of Sallah preparation is already in full swing. Youths are helping decorate courtyards, while mothers prepare spices and ingredients. Fathers are making arrangements for sacrificial animals. The air is rich with anticipation and the sounds of celebration.

For the business community, this season brings economic opportunities. Traders report higher demand for clothing, shoes, rice, and other festival essentials. Local butchers and livestock dealers say they’ve seen early spikes in sales.

“We’re thankful to the government for announcing this early,” said Ibrahim Tijani, a ram seller at Kofar Wambai market. “People now have time to shop properly without rushing, and this is good for us.”

As Eid-el-Kabir approaches, Kano State Government’s decision to grant a full 12-day school holiday speaks not just to policy, but to understanding. It acknowledges the emotional and cultural weight of the season for millions of residents.

From children smiling with new clothes to families gathering around the dining mat, the true meaning of the break is felt not in words, but in laughter, love, and shared meals. And at the center of it all is the quiet support of a government that understood the assignment.