By Ladi Halilu, Ishaya Nenpinmwa, Faiza Yahaya
As Ramadan falls within the examination period, students of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) are faced with the challenge of balancing their academic responsibilities with the spiritual obligation of fasting. The combination of long study hours and daily fasting presents both physical and mental challenges for many students. Despite these difficulties, many remain determined to succeed in their examinations while faithfully observing their religious duties.
Interviews conducted by PRIME TIME NEWS Correspondents’ revealed that many students are grappling with fatigue, hunger, dehydration and limited concentration while writing their papers during the fasting period.
Aisha Nurudeen, a 200-Level student of Business Administration, described the experience as difficult, noting that hunger and exhaustion often make it harder to focus during examinations.
“It’s really tough, especially in terms of cooking and fetching water by ourselves coupled with the cold weather. I’m trying to focus, but my stomach keeps rumbling” said Aisha.
Another student, Zainab Yahaya, a 400-Level student from the Department of Agricultural Science, explained that some students have adjusted their study routines by reading at night when they can eat and drink, while others rely on energy drinks to remain alert during the day.
Similarly, Asma’u Ismail, a 200-level Agriculture student, said fasting from dawn to sunset means that students sometimes sit for long examination hours without food or water, which often leads to fatigue and reduced concentration.
She added that the change in daily routine during Ramadan also affects sleep patterns.
“We wake up very early for Sahur and stay up late for Taraweeh prayers. This reduces our sleep and makes it harder to revise properly before exams,” she explained.
For Fatima Abubakar, a level 100 student of Business Administration, She said “Gaskiya (honestly) it has not been easy.
According to her cooking and doing her chores are her challenges because she spends most of her time reading. So she ends up buying food which can be very expensive, and this is caused due to time shortage.
“We would have wanted constant electricity and water supply from the university as support during this period” Fatima wished.
Halima Abdullahi, a final-year English student, suggested that the university could consider scheduling examinations in the morning when students still have relatively higher energy levels.
Despite the difficulties, She shared that many students remain committed to both their academic pursuits and religious obligations.
Zuleihat Ahmed, a 300-level student, described the period as a test of endurance.
“Alhamdulillah, the cool weather is a blessing because we don’t have to face the scorching sun. It helps us cope better,” she said.
Overall, the experiences of BUK students highlight the resilience and determination of young people striving to succeed academically while observing one of the most important religious obligations in Islam. (ramadan interview docx