The Bauchi State government’s decision to close all schools for five weeks in observance of Ramadan has sparked mixed reactions among parents, educators, and other stakeholders.
While some commend the move as a show of respect for religious observance, others express concern over its potential negative impact on students’ academic progress.
The closure, which will run from March 1 to April 5, was announced by the Bauchi State Ministry of Education and included in the 2024-2025 approved academic calendar.
According to Mr. Jalaludeen Maina, the ministry’s information officer, the decision was made long before now and affects all public and private primary, secondary, and higher institutions in the state.
Support for the Decision
Some residents and religious leaders in the state have praised the government for prioritizing the spiritual commitments of students and teachers during the holy month of Ramadan.
A local Islamic cleric, Mallam Yusuf Ibrahim, lauded the decision, stating, “Ramadan is a sacred time for spiritual growth and reflection, and students should not be burdened with school activities while fasting. This break will allow them to fully partake in religious obligations without distractions.”
Similarly, some parents believe the extended break will provide their children the opportunity to engage more deeply with religious teachings and strengthen family bonds during the fasting period.
One such parent, Alhaji Suleiman Ahmed, remarked, “This is a welcome development. During Ramadan, students struggle to balance fasting and academics. This holiday ensures they can focus on their faith without stress.”
Concerns Over Learning Disruptions
However, not all parents and educators are in favor of the prolonged closure. Many fear that such an extended break could negatively affect students’ educational progress, especially in a state already grappling with high numbers of out-of-school children.
Mrs. Sunita Joseph, a concerned parent, criticized the duration of the holiday, stating, “Why would Ramadan break be so long? Five weeks is excessive. The children may begin to forget what they have learned, which could affect their performance when they resume.”
Another parent, Ismail Raji, urged the government to reconsider its stance, warning that the decision might further encourage truancy and contribute to the growing number of children who drop out of school. “Many students already struggle to keep up with learning. Extending the holiday for this long will only make it harder for them to return to the academic routine,” he lamented.
Educators have also voiced concerns over the disruption of academic activities. A secondary school teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “We already have challenges covering the curriculum due to previous disruptions. Losing five weeks will put immense pressure on teachers to complete syllabuses within a shorter time.”
Call for Balance
Some education experts have suggested alternative approaches to accommodating Ramadan observance while minimizing the impact on learning.
Dr. Bashir Abdullahi, an education consultant, recommended a more flexible school schedule rather than a complete shutdown. “Instead of a five-week closure, the government could consider reducing school hours to allow fasting students to rest while maintaining an academic structure,” he proposed.
Similarly, some parents and teachers have suggested that only specific age groups or school levels should be given extended breaks, allowing older students in critical classes to continue lessons with adjustments to their schedules.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the Bauchi State government will review its decision in response to the concerns raised.
While the five-week break acknowledges the importance of Ramadan, finding a balance between religious observance and uninterrupted learning remains a pressing issue for many stakeholders.
For now, both supporters and critics of the policy await its impact, hoping that measures will be put in place to mitigate any negative academic consequences for students across the state.
