The Bauchi State government ordered schools to close for five weeks during Ramadan 2025, sparking backlash.
Private school owners and religious groups criticized the shutdown, set from February 26 to April 5, with classes resuming April 6.
Aligned with the 2024/2025 academic calendar, the second term splits into two phases: January 5-February 28 and April 6-29.
However, Christian-affiliated private schools oppose the extended break, fearing disrupted academic schedules and exam readiness.
Private Schools and Religious Groups Push Back
Christian schools in Bauchi now condemn the government’s blanket closure, arguing it ignores students’ diverse religious backgrounds.
Recently, Musa Bogoro Zakka, former chairman of Bauchi’s private school owners, urged CAN to intervene in a formal letter.
Additionally, it warned of disrupted academics, jeopardized WAEC, NECO, and JAMB prep, and overburdened teachers facing rushed curriculums.
The group also warned that the decision could harm interfaith relations by imposing a uniform closure regardless of religious affiliation.
“This calendar will damage students’ morale and create undue stress on both learners and teachers,” the group stated.
“It may also be perceived as discriminatory, given that tertiary institutions and civil servants are not required to halt activities during Ramadan.”
Despite their efforts, Zakka lamented that CAN had not provided adequate support in engaging with the state government.
CAN Chairman Abraham Damina denied being consulted or formally informed about the school closure policy, contradicting government claims that religious leaders were involved in drafting the academic calendar.
Bauchi Government Defends Decision
The Bauchi State government has maintained that the decision was reached after consultations with various stakeholders, including religious leaders.
Musa Hardo, Chairman of Private School Owners in Bauchi State, defended the closure, arguing that similar breaks are observed during Christian holidays like Christmas.
“The calendar applies uniformly to all schools, and no exceptions can be made,” Hardo said.
He also claimed that CAN representatives were invited to participate in discussions about the academic calendar.
However, discrepancies remain. While Hardo asserted that CAN was involved in the decision-making process, CAN Chairman Damina denied any knowledge of such consultations or meetings.
Threats of Sanctions for Non-Compliance
The state government has issued warnings to private schools about potential sanctions for failing to comply with the closure directive.
In a circular distributed by the state Ministry of Education, schools were reminded of the February 26 closure date and instructed to adhere strictly to the academic calendar.
“Any school that refuses to comply will face necessary action,” the circular stated. Local government task forces have been directed to monitor compliance and report any violations.
Broader Implications for Education in Bauchi
The controversy comes against a backdrop of alarming educational statistics in Bauchi State. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that Bauchi has the highest percentage of children deprived of education in Nigeria, with 54% failing to achieve educational attainment. This figure far exceeds the national average of 34% and is even higher than crisis-affected states like Zamfara (44%) and Borno (48%).
Educational stakeholders fear that prolonged school closures could exacerbate these challenges. Critics have pointed to states like Kwara and Sokoto, which opted to reduce school hours during Ramadan instead of implementing full closures, as potential models for balancing academic and religious considerations.
Calls for Dialogue and Resolution
As tensions rise, stakeholders are calling for dialogue to address the concerns raised by private schools and religious groups.
Critics urge inclusive measures to align academic schedules with religious diversity while prioritizing students’ educational needs. However, balancing these demands remains contentious.
Meanwhile, journalists sought comment from Bauchi Governor’s media adviser, Muhktar Gidado, but received no response before publication.
This debate underscores the struggle to reconcile religious observances with education in diverse societies. Now, Bauchi schools brace for a five-week closure, sparking concerns over long-term regional education impacts.
This news was initially reported by Sahara Reporters.
