All nursery, elementary, and secondary schools in Bauchi State have been ordered to close for five weeks, from February 26 to April 5, 2025, in order to observe Eid-el-Fitr and Ramadan. Private and public schools are both impacted by the directive.
But there is a lot of disagreement over this choice, particularly among private school owners who are associated with Christian groups. They contend that academic activities are disrupted by the mandatory closure, especially for pupils getting ready for important tests like the WAEC, NECO, and JAMB.
Regardless of their religious views, critics worry that making all students stay at home could strain state religious concord. While there was once an option for schools to stay open, this year’s directive is required, so there is no opportunity for flexibility.
Leading the demonstration and calling on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to step in is Musa Bogoro Zakka, the former chairman of the private school owners’ association in Bauchi. He voiced worries that non-Muslim pupils’ educational rights are being disregarded in the ruling.
However, the state government maintains that other parties, including religious leaders, were consulted before the decision was made. It has issued a warning that schools that disregard the directive would be subject to severe penalties.
The fact that Bauchi State already has one of Nigeria’s highest percentages of out-of-school children only serves to fuel the debate. This prolonged vacation, according to critics, can make matters worse and further impede academic advancement.
