The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across the country to begin searching for the Ramadan crescent on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025.
In an official statement issued on Thursday, Secretary General of the NSCIA, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized the importance of moon sighting in determining the start of the holy month.
“The council advises all Muslims in Nigeria to observe the sky for the Ramadan crescent on the night of Friday, February 28, 2025. The official announcement regarding the commencement of the 1446 AH Ramadan fast will be made by the President-General of NSCIA,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Bauchi and Kebbi states have announced a temporary closure of schools for five weeks to accommodate Ramadan fasting.
According to the approved school calendar by the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, schools will be closed from February 26, 2025, and will remain shut until the conclusion of Ramadan and the Eid celebrations. Students are expected to return for the continuation of the second term on April 6, 2025.
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Similarly, the Kebbi State Government has adjusted the 2024/2025 academic calendar, marking the end of the second term on February 28, 2025. The Ramadan break will officially commence on March 1, 2025, with schools set to resume for the third term on April 7, 2025.
A statement released by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, confirmed the adjustments, highlighting the state’s commitment to facilitating a conducive environment for students observing the fast.
The NSCIA further reiterated the significance of the moon-sighting process. “Following the recommendations of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General encourages the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to observe the sky for the Ramadan crescent immediately after sunset on Friday, February 28, 2025, corresponding to 29th Sha’aban 1446 AH.
“If credible witnesses confirm sighting the moon on that evening, Saturday, March 1, 2025, will be declared as the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH. If the crescent is not sighted, the fasting period will commence automatically on Sunday, March 2, 2025.”
Muslims across the country have been urged to report authentic moon sightings to designated committees to ensure an accurate announcement.
Additionally, Prof. Oloyede appealed to well-off Muslims to extend acts of charity to those in need, especially during these challenging economic times. He also advised traders to refrain from hoarding essential goods or inflating prices during Ramadan, emphasizing the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines the holy month.