Saudi Arabia Keeps Schools Open During Ramadan, PRNigeria Fact-Check Confirms
In the wake of a statement by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, claiming that Saudi Arabia keeps its schools open during the holy month of Ramadan, PRNigeria’s fact-checking team has verified the authenticity of this claim.
The Minister’s remarks, which argued against the closure of schools in northern Nigeria during Ramadan, have sparked widespread debate among religious groups and educators.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. In Nigeria, the decision by some northern states to shut down schools during this period has been met with mixed reactions. Minister Ahmad reportedly stated, “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.”
To verify these claims, PRNigeria conducted a thorough investigation, including a keyword search and a reverse image analysis of a photo accompanying the report. The photo, which depicted Saudi children in school, was found to have originated in April 2022, when the Saudi Ministry of Education allowed women to teach young boys in public schools for the first time. Further research revealed that in the same year, the Saudi Ministry of Education faced public debate after deciding to keep schools open during Ramadan, following a viral video of a schoolboy requesting a break during the fasting period.
PRNigeria also reached out to the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Abuja for clarification. The Press Attaché, Mohammed Al-Sahabi, confirmed that Saudi schools remain open during Ramadan, including the ongoing fasting period.
PRNigeria’s findings confirm that the claim about Saudi Arabia keeping schools open during Ramadan is true. While the accompanying image used in the report dates back to 2022, the Saudi Arabian Embassy has verified that educational institutions in the country continue to operate during the holy month. This revelation adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate in Nigeria about whether schools should remain open during Ramadan.
