Ramadan begins today, marking a significant period for many families within Nigeria’s diverse school communities. Whether your school has a predominantly Muslim population, a mixed community or just a few students and staff who observe the fast, understanding how to support those who participate in Ramadan can strengthen your school culture and demonstrate inclusive leadership.

During this time, students and staff who observe the fast experience changes in daily routines, energy levels and schedules. Schools that plan thoughtfully during Ramadan help create a supportive environment that respects religious observance while maintaining academic structure for all students.

DOES THIS APPLY TO YOUR SCHOOL?

This guidance is relevant if:

• Your school has Muslim students or staff members who observe Ramadan
• You serve a community where some families participate in the fasting period
• You want to create a more inclusive environment that respects diverse religious practices

Even if only a handful of students in your school observe Ramadan, small adjustments can make a meaningful difference to those families. Schools that demonstrate this awareness often find that it builds goodwill and strengthens relationships with the broader community.

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF RAMADAN ON SCHOOL LIFE

Fasting from dawn to sunset can affect concentration, energy and stamina, especially for some students. The length of the fast and its impact vary depending on location and time of year. In northern regions, where temperatures can be particularly high during this period, afternoon hours may be especially challenging. In southern regions with different climate patterns, schools may notice different energy patterns throughout the day.

It is also helpful to remember that not all Muslim students, particularly younger children, may be fasting fully or at all. Clear communication with families helps schools understand individual needs and respond appropriately.

When schools recognise these changes and adjust schedules thoughtfully where needed, students feel supported and are better able to stay engaged with learning. While advance planning is ideal, even adjustments implemented during the first week of Ramadan can make a meaningful difference throughout the month.

PRACTICAL APPROACHES FOR SCHOOLS WITH MUSLIM STUDENTS

The level of adjustment your school makes will depend on the proportion of students observing Ramadan and your specific regional context. Schools can choose approaches that fit their circumstances.

For schools with many students observing Ramadan:

Adjust school hours slightly, starting 30 minutes earlier and ending 30 minutes earlier. This allows fasting students to return home with more energy for evening preparations and reduces exposure to the hottest part of the day in warmer regions.

Schedule demanding academic activities earlier in the day. Mathematics tests, science practicals and intensive discussions work better in morning sessions when students are fresher. For example, schedule mathematics and sciences between 8am and 11am, reserving afternoons for lighter activities like art, reading time or project work.

Move PE classes to early morning slots and reduce session length from 60 to 40 minutes. This maintains physical activity without exhausting fasting students, particularly important in regions with high temperatures.

For Schools With Some Students Observing Ramadan:

Offer flexibility around demanding activities. Allow fasting students to complete challenging assessments in morning sessions if afternoon tests are scheduled.

Provide a quiet space where students can rest during lunch breaks if needed.

Be understanding about energy levels during afternoon classes and allow brief breaks for students who need them.

Consider extending assignment deadlines by a few days when they coincide with the later weeks of Ramadan, acknowledging the increased fatigue many students experience as the fasting period progresses.

For All Schools:

Communicate clearly with families about how you are supporting students during Ramadan. Even small gestures of awareness matter to parents.

Educate staff about Ramadan so they understand what students are experiencing and can respond appropriately.

CREATING AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT

In schools with mixed populations, it is important to create an environment where both fasting and non-fasting students feel comfortable and respected.

Non-fasting students should be able to eat normally during break times. Depending on your school context, you might designate areas where fasting students can spend break time comfortably or simply ensure that all students understand and respect each other’s choices.

Teachers can normalise these differences by explaining that everyone’s circumstances are different and that respect works both ways. This approach teaches empathy and prevents any student from feeling isolated or pressured. Schools across Nigeria serve diverse communities and Ramadan presents an opportunity to demonstrate how different religious practices can coexist respectfully within the same learning environment.

Communication With Parents and Students:

Clear communication is important as Ramadan begins today, particularly in diverse school communities where not all families may be familiar with the observance.

If you have not already communicated with families, send information immediately. For schools with Muslim students, include any schedule adjustments, expectations for attendance and changes to daily routines. For schools with diverse populations, brief communication explaining Ramadan and how the school is supporting observing students helps build understanding across the community.

Using Skoolbod, you can quickly notify all parents about any schedule changes, share information about support available to fasting students and keep families updated throughout the month. This ensures both Muslim and non-Muslim families understand how the school is creating an inclusive environment during this period.

When parents understand how the school is approaching Ramadan, whether they observe it or not, it builds trust and demonstrates inclusive leadership.

Supporting Staff Wellbeing:

Teachers and school staff who observe Ramadan also benefit from thoughtful scheduling. When schools create balanced timetables and supportive policies, staff wellbeing improves and teaching quality remains consistent.

Consider these approaches for supporting fasting staff:

Allow teachers to swap supervision duties so that fasting staff handle morning responsibilities while non-fasting colleagues cover afternoon playground or gate duties.

Reduce the number of consecutive teaching periods for fasting teachers where possible, building in short planning breaks.

Provide a quiet staff room where teachers can rest during lunch breaks rather than supervise dining areas. Some schools rotate lunch supervision duties so fasting staff are not required to be in the dining hall daily.

Avoid scheduling staff meetings late in the afternoon. Morning briefings or early afternoon check-ins work better during Ramadan. If an afternoon meeting is unavoidable, keep it brief and focused.

Simple gestures such as understanding energy levels and allowing flexible scheduling where possible can have a positive impact on staff morale. When teachers feel supported, they are better able to support their students effectively.

How Skoolbod Supports Ramadan Scheduling:

Managing schedule adjustments and maintaining clear communication during Ramadan becomes simpler with the right tools. Through Skoolbod, schools can send instant notifications to parents about timetable changes, provide updates about quiet spaces available for students or share reminders about deadline flexibility.

Teachers can access up-to-date information about which students are observing the fast and view any accommodations that have been arranged, ensuring consistent support across all classes. The platform helps schools track attendance patterns and monitor academic progress throughout the fasting period without creating additional administrative work.

Whether your school is implementing major schedule changes or simply ensuring that a few families feel supported, Skoolbod helps maintain smooth operations and clear communication throughout Ramadan.

Planning for Future Years

Ramadan dates shift each year according to the Islamic lunar calendar, moving approximately 10 to 11 days earlier annually. This means that over time, Ramadan will fall during different seasons and school terms, sometimes coinciding with major exam periods or school holidays.

Schools that note their experiences this year can build a stronger approach for future Ramadan periods. Consider documenting which adjustments worked well, feedback from students and parents and any challenges that arose. This information becomes valuable when planning for next year, particularly if Ramadan falls during a different term or examination period.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As Ramadan begins today, supporting students and staff during this period is not about reducing educational standards or completely restructuring your school calendar. It is about creating a supportive structure that respects religious observance while maintaining academic focus for all students.

Whether your school serves communities in Lagos, Kano, Abuja or any region across Nigeria and whether you have two Muslim students or two hundred, thoughtful planning during Ramadan demonstrates inclusive leadership. It shows all members of your community that their faith and traditions are valued and understood.

By using clear communication, appropriate adjustments and practical support, schools can ensure that learning continues smoothly for everyone throughout the fasting period. This approach strengthens relationships with families, builds trust across diverse communities and creates a school culture where every student feels they belong.

Skoolbod remains committed to supporting schools of all types across Nigeria with tools that simplify scheduling, communication and administration, helping diverse school communities thrive during Ramadan and throughout the year.