The Bauchi State government, through the Ministry of Education, has announced a five-week closure of all schools in preparation for the 2025 Ramadan fast.

According to the approved 2024-2025 academic calendar, the holiday will run from March 1 to April 5, affecting all public and private primary, junior, and secondary schools, as well as higher institutions across the state.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, the Ministry’s Information Officer, Mr. Jalaludeen Maina, stated that the decision had been planned well in advance to allow students to observe Ramadan at home.

“This closure has been incorporated into our academic calendar. Our students will not be fasting while in school. Once Ramadan ends, they will resume their studies immediately,” Maina explained.

However, some parents have expressed concerns over the extended break, fearing it could disrupt their children’s learning.

Mrs. Sunita Joseph described the five-week holiday as excessive, worrying that students might forget what they had learned before the break.

Similarly, Ismail Raji urged the state government to reconsider the decision, warning that it could contribute to the rising number of out-of-school children.

Mohammed Isa also criticized the move, noting that Bauchi already has one of the highest out-of-school children rates in the country. He called on the government to implement policies that encourage education rather than disrupt it.