State Government Shuts Schools For 5 Weeks Over Ramadan, Private Schools Protest

Private School Owners Protest Five-Week Closure, Cite Academic Disruptions and Alleged Discrimination Against Non-Muslim Students

The Bauchi State Government has ordered the closure of all public and private schools for five weeks in observance of Ramadan, sparking protests from private school owners, particularly Christian faith-based institutions.

Schools to Remain Closed Until April 5

According to the directive, schools across the state will shut down from February 26, 2025, and resume on April 5, 2025, following the Ramadan fast and Salah celebration. The government divided the second term into two phases: the first ran from January 5 to February 28, while the second will resume from April 6 to April 29.

Christian School Owners Reject Policy

The decision has drawn criticism from private school owners, who argue that the closure unfairly affects non-Muslim students. A group of Christian faith-based schools has petitioned the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to intervene, stating that the move disrupts academic activities and could negatively impact students preparing for major exams like WAEC, NECO, and JAMB.

In a letter signed by Musa Bogoro Zakka, a former chairman of the National Association of Private School Owners in Bauchi, the group expressed concerns about the extended break, warning that it could hinder syllabus completion and strain both students and teachers upon resumption.

Accusations of Discrimination

The group also criticized the government for applying the directive only to nursery, primary, and secondary schools, while tertiary institutions and civil servants continue their activities uninterrupted. They argued that enforcing the break on all students, regardless of religion, could affect peaceful coexistence.

Government Insists on Compliance

A circular from the state’s Ministry of Education directed all private schools to comply, warning that schools defying the order would face sanctions.

“The Local Government Taskforce on Private Schools is instructed to report any school that refuses to comply for further action,”

the circular stated.

With tensions rising, stakeholders are calling for dialogue to address concerns and ensure an inclusive academic calendar that respects religious diversity.