Bauchi closes schools for 5 weeks to observe Ramadan, says private schools must comply

February 27, 2025

The Bauchi State Government has ordered the closure of all schools in the state for five weeks to allow students to observe the Ramadan fast.

The directive, which was contained in a circular sent to private schools, stated that the closure would commence on February 26, 2025, and last until April 5, 2025.

According to the official academic calendar, the 2024/2025 session’s second term commenced on January 5, 2025, and was subsequently split into two segments.

The initial phase ran from January 5 to February 28, followed by a five-week hiatus from March 1 to April 5. Classes are scheduled to resume from April 6 to April 29 after Ramadan.

However, the decision has been met with resistance from some private school owners, particularly those of Christian faith, who argue that the closure would disrupt the academic calendar and affect the preparation of students for external examinations.

They also contend that the decision is discriminatory, as tertiary institutions and civil servants are not required to suspend activities during Ramadan.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Bauchi State has denied being consulted or informed about the school closure.

The CAN chairman in the state, Abraham Damina, stated that he was not consulted or formally informed about the decision, and that CAN was not party to the process that led to the decision.

The Bauchi State Government has defended its decision, stating that it was reached after consultation with different groups, including religious leaders.

The state chairman for private school owners, Musa Hardo, argued that the decision does not create an exception for anyone, and that schools are required to shut down during the period specified in the calendar.

The controversy surrounding the school closure has highlighted the challenges of managing a diverse and multicultural society.

While the Bauchi State Government may have intended to accommodate the religious needs of its Muslim population, it is clear that the decision has caused inconvenience and disruption to others.