Impact of Ramadan Fasting on Academic Productivity of Muslim Students at Nasarawa State University

This study investigates the impact of Ramadan fasting on the academic productivity of Muslim students at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Ramadan, the holy month of obligatory fasting in Islam, coincides with active academic calendar periods in several Nigerian universities, raising questions about how fasting affects students' cognitive function, attendance, and academic output. The study adopts a descriptive survey design with questionnaires administered to 250 Muslim students across five faculties. Paired academic performance records from Ramadan and non-Ramadan periods were also analysed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests. Findings indicate no statistically significant decline in overall academic performance during Ramadan, though students report reduced concentration, fatigue, and lower attendance in early morning and late evening classes. Students employing structured sleep and study schedules perform comparably to their pre-Ramadan periods. The study recommends that university timetable planners consider the Ramadan period in scheduling examinations and intensive contact hours, and that student welfare units provide nutritional and time management guidance tailored to fasting students. This research contributes to the understanding of religious practice and academic welfare in Nigerian higher education. Keywords: Ramadan fasting, academic productivity, Muslim students, Nasarawa State University, religious observance.