• Christian School Owners Decry Five-Week Closure, Call for Government Reconsideration
• Bauchi Tops Nigeria’s List of Children Deprived of Education – NBS Report
• State Government Threatens Private Schools Defying Closure Order
By Bello Alhassan, Kaduna
Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Bauchi State government’s recent directive to shut down all nursery, primary, and secondary schools for five weeks during Ramadan has sparked widespread concerns, particularly from private school owners and education stakeholders who argue that the policy will significantly harm students' academic progress.
According to the state’s academic calendar, schools will be closed from February 26, 2025, through April 5, 2025, a decision the government insists was reached after consultations with religious groups. However, private school owners, especially Christian-faith-based institutions, argue that the prolonged break disproportionately affects students preparing for crucial examinations like WAEC, NECO, and JAMB, and further exacerbates the state’s already alarming out-of-school crisis.
Bauchi State currently ranks among the top six states with the highest percentage of children lacking formal education, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). A recent report placed Bauchi’s education deprivation rate at 54%, higher than the national average of 34%, and exceeding even crisis-affected states like Zamfara (44%) and Borno (48%).
Education stakeholders have condemned the directive, warning that it could widen the learning gap and negatively impact academic performance. In previous years, the government allowed flexibility, permitting some schools to remain open during Ramadan. However, this year, authorities have taken a stricter stance, threatening private schools with sanctions if they fail to comply.
“This is not the first time we have faced this issue, but in the past, we engaged the state government and found a compromise. Unfortunately, this time, the government has refused to reconsider,” said Musa Bogoro Zakka, a former chairman of Private School Owners in Bauchi Local Government.
The Christian-faith-based school owners’ group has appealed to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for intervention, but they claim their concerns have not been adequately addressed. CAN’s Bauchi State Chairman, Abraham Damina, denied being consulted about the closure decision, stating, “I was not informed, neither was CAN consulted. This decision was made without our input.”
Meanwhile, Musa Hardo, Chairman of Private School Owners in Bauchi, defended the government’s position, arguing that students also take breaks for Christmas. However, critics counter that Christmas holidays are part of the standard academic calendar, whereas the current closure effectively disrupts the term and extends beyond religious observance into students' academic schedules.
Further complicating the situation, the state government has issued a circular warning that any private school defying the closure directive would face penalties. The Ministry of Education’s letter to school proprietors states, “All Private Schools must comply with the academic calendar. The Local Government Taskforce on Private Schools is instructed to report any school failing to adhere for necessary action.”
Unlike Bauchi, other states like Kwara and Sokoto have reduced school hours during Ramadan without outright closures, highlighting a more inclusive approach to accommodating religious practices. This has led to calls for Bauchi to adopt a similar model that respects the needs of all students.
This is not the first time Bauchi State has ordered school closures during Ramadan. In previous years, interventions from stakeholders led to a relaxation of the order, allowing schools to decide whether to close or remain open. However, the government has taken a stricter stance this time, insisting on full compliance.
The decision has drawn criticism from observers who question the feasibility of implementing such a policy on a national scale, particularly in a diverse country like Nigeria. Critics argue that the move could set a dangerous precedent, undermining efforts to promote unity and inclusivity.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, involves fasting from dawn to sunset and is one of the five pillars of Islam. The month holds significant spiritual importance for Muslims worldwide, with many countries adjusting work and school schedules to accommodate the observance.
Stakeholders are urging the state government to engage in dialogue with all affected parties to find a balanced solution that respects religious diversity while ensuring uninterrupted access to education. They argue that a collaborative approach is essential to addressing the concerns of all stakeholders and safeguarding the future of students in Bauchi State.
The closure also highlights the intersection of education and poverty in Bauchi. With the state already grappling with high levels of poverty and educational deprivation, the five-week break could further marginalize vulnerable children, pushing more of them out of the school system. Experts warn that such policies risk deepening the cycle of poverty and inequality in the state.
Amid the backlash, questions are also being raised about the broader implications of such policies. Some political analysts have noted the irony of the Bauchi governor’s aspirations for national leadership while enforcing a policy that effectively halts education for an entire state.
“The governor wants to be president, but if this is how he handles education in his state, what will happen if he leads the country?” questioned Danladi Iliya, a concerned education advocate.
As the debate rages on, private school owners and concerned stakeholders continue to push for a review of the directive. With Bauchi already facing one of the worst educational crises in Nigeria, many believe that prioritizing learning over prolonged school closures is crucial to securing the state’s future.
