Kano State Declares Mid-Term School Holiday for Eid-el-Kabir 2025: What Parents, Students, and Teachers Need to Know
In a significant development for families and the education sector in Northern Nigeria, the Kano State Government has officially announced a week-and-a-half school holiday for the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir 2025. This mid-term break will affect all primary and post-primary schools across the state, marking one of the most extended Sallah holidays granted within an academic session in recent years.
This decision was made public through an official statement from the Kano State Ministry of Education, signed by Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, the Director of Public Enlightenment. According to the circular, the holiday is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, and will run through Sunday, June 15, 2025, for boarding students. For day students, the return date is set for Monday, June 16, 2025.
“Parents and guardians of students in boarding schools are requested to pick up their children by the early hours of Wednesday, June 4, 2025,” the statement read.
Eid-el-Kabir: A Time of Faith, Family, and Reflection
The Eid-el-Kabir celebration, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important religious holidays in Islam. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. The celebration involves prayers, animal sacrifices, charity to the poor, and family gatherings. In predominantly Muslim states like Kano, it is often a time of travel and large communal events.
Given the religious significance and the preparations involved, the Kano State Government’s decision to grant students this lengthy break underscores the importance of the holiday in the region’s cultural and religious life.
Details of the Kano State School Holiday for Eid-el-Kabir 2025
To provide clarity for parents, students, and educators, here are the key points about the Eid-el-Kabir holiday:
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Start Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
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End Date for Boarding Students: Sunday, June 15, 2025
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Resumption Date for Day Students: Monday, June 16, 2025
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Affected Institutions: All public and private primary and secondary schools in Kano State
The Ministry has made it clear that all other dates in the 2024/2025 academic calendar remain unchanged, including other public holidays and examination schedules.
“Other parts of the 2024/2025 academic calendar, including official public holidays, remain unchanged,” the statement emphasized.
This means that after the Sallah break, students are expected to return to their regular studies without any further extensions or modifications.
Government Appreciates Parental Support, Urges Timely Return
The Commissioner for Education in Kano State, Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, expressed his gratitude to the parents and guardians for their ongoing support of the educational system. He also urged them to ensure that their children return to school promptly after the holiday to avoid disruptions in learning.
“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.
This appeal highlights the importance of parental responsibility in maintaining the academic progress of students, especially in a school term that has already seen mid-session breaks.
Comparisons with Recent Educational Breaks in Northern Nigeria
It’s important to recall that this is not the first time a mid-term break has been granted under religious or cultural considerations. Earlier in the year, during March 2025, the governments of Katsina, Kebbi, and Bauchi States announced a month-long holiday for all schools—public and private—for the entire month of Ramadan.
This decision at the time sparked debates across the country, especially among educational stakeholders who questioned the timing and duration of such a lengthy break while schools in other parts of Nigeria continued academic activities uninterrupted.
Balancing Religious Observance with Educational Commitment
These extended holidays bring to light the ongoing balancing act between religious observance and educational commitment in Nigeria, particularly in the North. With religious festivals like Eid-el-Kabir and Ramadan holding deep significance for the majority-Muslim population, state governments often face pressure to accommodate these traditions within the school calendar.
However, critics have warned that repeated disruptions in the school year can negatively affect students’ performance, especially those preparing for national examinations such as WAEC, NECO, and JSCE. Nonetheless, the Kano State Government has reassured the public that the integrity of the academic calendar will be preserved.
Implications for Parents, Schools, and Students
The extended break comes with logistical and academic implications:
1. Transportation and Safety
Parents of boarding school students are urged to pick up their children on time. Delays in pickup may affect student safety and strain school resources.
2. Academic Catch-up Plans
Schools may need to adjust their lesson plans or implement catch-up sessions when students return to ensure the syllabus is completed before term-end assessments.
3. Examination Readiness
Students preparing for internal and external exams should be encouraged to use the holiday wisely, combining religious celebration with personal study time.
4. Home-Based Learning
Parents can help their children stay sharp during the break by engaging them in reading, homework revision, and educational activities.
Final Thoughts: Looking Ahead After Sallah
The Eid-el-Kabir holiday offers a valuable time for spiritual reflection and family bonding. However, it is crucial for students not to lose academic momentum during the break. As emphasized by Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, the government’s focus remains on ensuring students return on time and continue their education without unnecessary delays.
The Kano State Government’s proactive communication and structured approach to this break can serve as a model for other states aiming to respect religious traditions while maintaining educational integrity.
As always, NaijaRush will continue to provide updates on school policies, public announcements, and breaking news from across Nigeria. Stay tuned for more insights and reliable information to keep you informed.
Are you a parent, teacher, or student in Kano State? What are your thoughts on this extended school holiday? Drop your comments below and share this post to keep others updated.
