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Govt closes schools for 5 weeks for Ramadan

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The Bauchi State government has declared a five-week closure of schools in light of the Ramadan observance.

In accordance with the directive, educational institutions will be closed from February 26, 2025, until the conclusion of Ramadan and the Salah celebration, with classes set to resume on April 5.

An official academic calendar obtained by SaharaReporters indicates that the second term of the 2024/2025 academic year commenced on January 5, 2025. The state government has chosen to split the term into two phases: the first phase lasting from January 5 to February 28, followed by a five-week break from March 1 to April 5, after which classes will continue from April 6 to April 29.

However, this directive has not been well received by private school owners, particularly those of Christian faith, who argue that due to the diverse student population, the government’s order should not deny all students access to education.

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SaharaReporters’ findings revealed that in previous years, the state government also mandated school closures.

However, after interventions from education sector stakeholders, the government allowed schools to decide for themselves—permitting those that wished to close to do so, while others were allowed to remain open.

“This is not the first time the school will be ordered to close, we have had such case before and we set up a committee that liaised with the state education commissioner, who relaxed the order,” a source told SaharaReporters.

However, it was learned that the state government took a different approach this time, insisting that all schools must close during the Ramadan fasting period.

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Unhappy with the government’s decision, particularly the controversial calendar that halts education for five weeks for Nursery, Primary, and Secondary school students, a group known as “Christian-faith based schools” in Bauchi has opposed the directive and is seeking intervention.

In a letter obtained by SaharaReporters, signed by Musa Bogoro Zakka—the immediate past Chairman of Private School Owners in Bauchi Local Government and the 2015 Bauchi State Chairman of the National Association of Private School Owners—the group appealed to the Christian Association of Nigeria to advocate on behalf of Christian students to the state government.

The letter reads, “We are writing on behalf of the Christian-faith-based schools in Bauchi State to bring to your attention to the implication of the Bauchi State Ministry of Education Academic Calendar 2024/2025 session for nursery/Primary and Secondary Schools which mandates all schools (private and public) to outrightly close during the Ramadan Fast, which begins from 1st March 5th April 2025.

“When we made an observation at the beginning, we were told that even CAN was part of the stakeholders who planned the calendar and we cannot be more Christians.

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“However, as the days draw closer, the feedback from the Christian faith-based schools necessitates the request to have an audience with you and raise our concerns for a way forward.”

The group argued that staying at home for Five (5) weeks and resuming to conclude the term “will definitely affect the preparations of students towards external examinations (WAEC, NECO, and JAMB) since our syllabi may not be covered.”

They also noted that the “proposed calendar will surely damage the morals of students who are expected to return and start writing examinations, and continue another term without break for 14 weeks while teachers’ mark record and are still expected to discharge their duties simultaneously and seamlessly”.

The group also argued that the closure could harm peaceful coexistence between Christian and Muslim students in the state, as it might be seen as forcing all students to stay at home regardless of their religious affiliations.

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They further accused the state government of discriminating against private schools, noting that tertiary institutions and civil servants were not required to suspend activities during Ramadan.

However, Musa Zakka, chairman of the Christian-faith based school owners committee, told SaharaReporters that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) did not provide adequate support in their efforts to engage with the state government.

“We requested to meet with CAN but we were never granted an audience, we wanted to reach the state government through the Christian Association of Nigeria but we were not successful,” he told SaharaReporters.

Although the state government allegedly claimed that it consulted all religious leaders, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), before creating the calendar that grants a five-week break for Ramadan, the CAN chairman in the state, Abraham Damina, denied being consulted or formally informed about the school closure.

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“I was not consulted, neither was CAN consulted. Nobody from the state government reached out to me, I was not informed of the plan,” he told SaharaReporters, insisting that CAN was not party to the process that led to the decision to shut down schools for five weeks.

He also denied any knowledge of the letter from the Christian-faith group protesting the government’s decision to close schools for five weeks.

When asked for his views on the matter, he declined to comment, stating that if he had been informed about the school closures, he would have contacted the relevant authorities before making any public statements.

Meanwhile, Musa Hardo, the Bauchi State Chairman for Private School Owners, defended the government’s decision.

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“The decision was reached based on the academic calendar drawn by the government, and reached after consultation with different groups including religious leaders,” he said.

“If you say the five-week break is because of Ramadan and you are angry, what about during Christmas. Should children now say they would not go on break during the period too?”

He noted that the decision does not create an exception for anyone, as schools are required to shut down during the period specified in the calendar.

Hardo also asserted that the CAN chairman was invited to be a part of the committee that decided the school calendar.

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While acknowledging that he was not present at the meeting himself, he mentioned that his secretary, who represented the association, reported that the CAN chairman was invited.

Bauchi State Government Threaten Schools with Sanctions

SaharaReporters has learned that the state government has been issuing threats to private schools, warning that failure to comply with the school closure mandate would result in sanctions.

In a circular sent to private schools by the head of private schools in the state ministry of education, it was stated that private schools must adhere to the government directive.

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It reads, “I am directed to inform you that the official closing date of all Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools in the State is Wednesday 26th February, 2025. All Private Schools must comply with the academic calendar.

“Although, the liberty of one week before or after, still stands (but with a concrete reason).”

“The Local Government Taskforce on Private Schools are instructed by the Ministry to forward the name of school(s) that refuse to comply, for further necessary action, please,” the statement noted.

Bauchi State Leads In Highest Number Of Children Deprived Of Education

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SaharaReporters reviewed data from the National Bureau of Statistics’ multidimensional poverty index.

According to the data, 74% of children in the state have failed to achieve educational attainment, placing it among the top six states with the highest number of children facing educational failure.

The NBS data also indicates that the state has the highest percentage of children deprived of education, at 54%. This figure is significantly higher than the national average of 34% and surpasses even crisis-affected states like Zamfara (44%) and Borno (48%).

Checks by SaharaReporters reveal that states like Kwara and Sokoto have reduced the number of hours for academic classes due to Ramadan, although outright closures were not announced in these states.

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SaharaReporters attempted to contact the Senior Special Adviser to the Bauchi State governor on media, Muhktar Gidado, but he did not respond to phone calls as of the time of this report.

Credit: SaharaReporters

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Trafficked Nigerian Girl D!es In Mali

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A Nigerian girl identified simply as Ngufan, who was reportedly trafficked to the West African nation of Mali, has tragically died under circumstances that remain unclear.

The development was disclosed by anti-human trafficking campaigner Zege Orkwande, who has become known for facilitating the rescue and repatriation of young Nigerian women trafficked to several African countries for prostitution and other forms of exploitation.

In a post shared on Facebook on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Orkwande announced the death of the young woman and appealed to members of the public to assist in identifying and locating her relatives.

According to the activist, details surrounding Ngufan’s death are still unknown, and efforts are ongoing to gather more information about what led to the tragedy.

The announcement has sparked concern among anti-trafficking advocates and members of the public, particularly amid growing reports of young Nigerian women being lured abroad with promises of employment and better opportunities, only to end up trapped in exploitative conditions.

Orkwande urged anyone who may know the deceased or have information about her family to come forward to aid identification and ensure that her relatives are informed.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with human trafficking networks operating across parts of Africa, as well as the challenges faced by victims who find themselves stranded far from home without adequate support or protection.

Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the circumstances of Ngufan’s death, while calls continue for intensified efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable young people from falling prey to traffickers.

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Just in: Finally, Starmer resigns as UK PM

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday formally announced his resignation as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, ending a turbulent tenure marked by mounting internal rebellion, ministerial resignations and growing doubts about his ability to lead Labour into the next general election.

Standing outside 10 Downing Street, an emotional Starmer acknowledged that he had lost the confidence of key figures within his party and accepted that Labour no longer viewed him as the best person to lead it into the next election.

“I accept with good grace that my party no longer believes I am the best person to lead them into the next general election,” Starmer said in his resignation address.
He pledged to remain in office until a successor is chosen, promising what he described as an “orderly transfer of power” to ensure political stability in the United Kingdom.

The resignation marks the culmination of weeks of escalating political turmoil within Labour. Senior ministers, parliamentary aides and dozens of MPs had publicly questioned Starmer’s leadership following devastating local election losses that saw the party lose significant ground across England, Scotland and Wales.
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, whose resignation intensified the crisis, accused the Prime Minister of lacking direction at a critical moment for the country.

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“Where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift,” Streeting wrote in a scathing resignation letter that became a rallying point for Labour critics.

Despite the pressure, Starmer used his farewell speech to defend his record in government, citing economic growth, rising wages, reduced National Health Service waiting lists, stronger workers’ rights, increased defence spending and efforts to tackle illegal migration.
Reflecting on his time in office, Starmer insisted that public service, not power, had always motivated him.

“I never came into politics for power itself,” he said, while highlighting what he described as Labour’s achievements in government.

The outgoing Prime Minister also paid an emotional tribute to his family, particularly his wife, who reportedly encouraged him to continue fighting for his leadership. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the political reality within the party had become impossible to ignore.
Concluding his address, Starmer signalled that family life would now take precedence over political ambition.

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“I will now focus on being the best husband and father I can be,” he said.
Trump’s remark sparks debate
TNG reports the resignation has also reignited debate over President Trump’s comments made a day earlier.

Speaking through social media, Trump asserted that Starmer’s departure was imminent, even as British ministers publicly insisted they had no indication that the Prime Minister was preparing to step down.

When Starmer’s resignation became official on Monday, critics and supporters alike questioned whether Trump had insider knowledge of Labour’s internal deliberations or had merely anticipated a political outcome that many observers already considered likely.

Burnham emerges as front-runner
Meanwhile, attention has now shifted to Labour’s looming leadership contest, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham widely regarded as the leading candidate to replace Starmer. Party officials are expected to begin the formal succession process in the coming weeks.

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Starmer’s departure makes him the latest British Prime Minister to leave office amid political upheaval, extending a period of remarkable instability in British politics that has seen multiple leadership changes in less than a decade.
For a leader who only months ago vowed that he would “prove the doubters wrong,” Monday’s resignation represented a dramatic reversal and a sobering end to a premiership ultimately undone by the loss of confidence within his own ranks.

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Sad: Two soldiers k!lled as military van runs into explosive device in Sokoto

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Two soldiers were reportedly k!lled and several others injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly exploded on a military vehicle conveying troops to Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The troops were said to be responding to a distress call following a bandit attack on the community in the early hours of Saturday, June 21, 2026.

Residents told Daily Trust that armed bandits invaded the village between 12:30am and 3:00am, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to seek military intervention.

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged that the attackers planted an IED along the Isa-Bargaja road before the arrival of the troops.

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“They were on their way to rescue us when the vehicle hit the explosive. Many soldiers were affected. One of the soldiers involved in the incident later ran into our village seeking help after the explosion,” he said, adding that the soldier sustained serious injuries on his leg.

The resident said the incident occurred on a section of the road linking Isa and Bargaja and expressed concern over what he described as the increasing use of explosive devices by bandits.

“We have seen the bodies of two soldiers, but we cannot say whether there were more casualties,” he said, calling on the authorities to take urgent measures to address the security situation.

Another resident who claimed to have visited the military camp in Isa town to condole with the troops said they travelled from Bargaja to sympathise with the soldiers following the incident.

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“We hired two vehicles from our community and went to Isa to condole with the military over the loss of their personnel,” he said.

The source claimed that three soldiers, including a driver, lost their lives in the attack, adding that one of the victims was severely affected by the explosion.

He said the remains of the deceased personnel were later evacuated to Sokoto.

Another source who is familiar with the developments in the area also alleged that the troops came under a coordinated ambush while responding to the distress call from residents.

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According to the source, the attackers allowed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicle leading the convoy to pass before targeting a Hilux vehicle behind it with gunfire and an explosive device.

“The APC was at the front and was allowed to pass. The attackers then opened fire and detonated an explosive device targeting the Hilux behind it,” the source alleged.

He added that one of the security personnel reportedly fled into a nearby forest during the incident and that efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue him.

The source further said residents, security personnel and the attackers were engaged in exchanges throughout the night, creating tension across the area.

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“We never slept yesterday because of the sound of gunfire. I can’t confirm the exact number of the casualties. Wait till after we gathered the accurate information about the incident,” the source said.

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