The Bauchi State government has announced the closure of all public and private schools in the state for five weeks, from March 1 to April 5, in preparation for the 2025 Ramadan fast.
The decision, outlined in the approved 2024-2025 academic calendar, affects primary, junior, secondary, and higher institutions across the state. The Ministry of Education’s Information Officer, Mr. Jalaludeen Maina, confirmed that the break was planned well in advance to ensure students do not observe Ramadan while in school.
“The five-week holiday is for Ramadan fasting. Immediately after the fasting, students will resume and continue with their academics,” Maina said.
However, the announcement has sparked concerns among parents, who fear the extended break could hinder their children’s educational progress.
Mrs. Sunita Joseph expressed frustration, stating, “Why would Ramadan break be so long? The children may even forget what they learned before the break.”
Ismail Raji urged the government to reconsider, warning that the long holiday might exacerbate the out-of-school children crisis.
Similarly, Mohammed Isa reminded authorities that Bauchi is already among the states with the highest number of out-of-school children, suggesting the need for policies that promote, rather than disrupt, education.
The debate highlights the delicate balance between respecting religious observances and maintaining academic continuity.
