News
Govt closes schools for 5 weeks for Ramadan
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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
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.
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
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has given a 24-hour ultimatum to the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Jaji Abdulganiyu, demanding his personal appearance over the recent fire truck accident in Abuja that left three people dead and several others injured.
This directive was issued on Tuesday by the Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isah, following the agency’s failure to honour an earlier invitation to address the matter.
Naijablitznews.com recalled the tragic incident occurred on Friday evening at ECOWAS Junction, Wuse 2, during an emergency operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex, where a fire truck reportedly lost control, claiming the lives of three siblings.
Rep. Isah expressed dismay that despite graphic videos circulating online, the Fire Service had not issued any public statement or shown presence at the scene. He called on the agency to visit the bereaved family without delay, cover all medical expenses of the victims receiving treatment, and arrange adequate compensation.
He also demanded that the Fire Service take concrete steps to prevent such an incident from happening again.
Earlier in his brief, a top-ranking officer in charge of Administration and Supplies at the Fire Service, Samuel Olumode, admitted the agency deeply regretted the fatal incident in Abuja.
He stated that while the Controller-General couldn’t appear in person due to pressing state duties, he had given clear instructions for a team, including Olumode himself, to represent the service at the hearing.
Olumode eemphasised hat no one takes the loss of life lightly, especially when such a loss is irreversible. He attributed the tragic occurrence to the urgent and chaotic nature of the firefighting operation that night.
According to him, the driver of the fire truck did not stop at the scene immediately after the crash, fearing possible attacks from an angry crowd, something fire crews reportedly face often. However, the driver later turned himself in at the nearest police station and has remained in custody since.
Olumode also disclosed that the Fire Service, under the leadership of the CG, had already begun reaching out to those affected. Visits had been made to the victims’ family and the injured in hospital. Fire officers were also present at the funeral held at the National Mosque and the burial that followed.
He described the moment as extremely difficult for the bereaved family and confirmed that another team had visited the boys’ mother to console her personally.
Olumode added that the Fire Service had made a public apology, which was aired and published by several leading media outlets across the country.
By Francesca Hangeior
The move to transform YabaTech in Lagos State to a University of Technology and Vocational Studies has got a boost as a Bill to this effect has scaled second reading in the Senate.
After being read the second time yesterday, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, APC, Kano North, who presided at Tuesday’s plenary session, thereafter referred it to the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND for further legislative action and report back in four weeks.
It is titled, a Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of the Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies Yaba, Lagos State and to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration and for other related matters, 2025 (SB. 738).
In his lead debate on the general principles of the bill, the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Centra,l said that the Bill essentially seeks to transform and upgrade the YabaTech to Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos State, which has already been done via a presidential fiat.
Bamidele said, “This Bill seeks to establish Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies Yaba, Lagos State. The Bill was read the first time in this Hallowed Chamber on Tuesday, 11th March, 2025.
“The Bill essentially seeks to transform and upgrade the YabaTech to Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos State, which has already been done via a presidential fiat.
“Nigeria’s steady march towards education for all in the shortest possible time has taken a giant leap with the introduction of this Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of this University.
“I am personally excited by the prospect of transforming this Polytechnic to a University of Technology and Vocational Studies as it will motivate both students and academic staff, just as it will upgrade its facilities and enhance its capability to achieve its objectives.
Similarly, The New University will encourage the advancement of learning and hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction the opportunity of acquiring a higher and liberal education. It will also do the following: Provide courses of instruction and other facilities for the pursuit of learning in all its branches, and to make those facilities available on proper terms to such persons as are equipped to benefit from them; Encourage and promote scholarship and conduct research in all fields of learning with emphasis on technical education”
According to the Senate leader, the new school will m”Relate its activities to the social, cultural and economic needs of the people of Nigeria; and Undertake any other activities appropriate for a university of the highest standards.
“If Nigeria, as planned, should aim to become one of the world’s twenty leading economies of the world in this 215t century, we must be ready to adjust and position our educational institutions so that its products are geared towards technological challenges inherent in such projections. Our educational authorities are moving to revamp our institutions for these objectives.
Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, when enacted by the National Assembly will have power to establish such campuses, colleges, faculties, institutes, schools, extra-mural departments and other teaching and research units within the University as may from time to time seem necessary or desirable subject to the approval of the National Universities Commission.
“To ensure continuity in the administration of the university, all property held by or on behalf of the Yaba Polytechnic shall be vested in the University and be held by it for the purposes of the University. Notably, all staff of the Polytechnic are hereby transferred to the University and previous service in the Polytechnic shall count as service for the purposes of any pension payable by the University.
” The institution is prepared to undertake the educational and other modifications that are a natural corollary of transforming to a university. The institution is also prepared to remains true to its core mandate of producing well-trained manpower capable of driving the technological, management and business goals of the nation.
“In this regard, it will seek to emulate the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which has built upon a tradition of distinction to become one of the world’s foremost educational institutions.
By Francesca Hangeior
A human rights lawyer and counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has faulted the Amnesty International report on Okigwe killings, describing it as “hasty and full of inconsistencies”, just as he called for a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation.
Recall that some yet-to-be-identified armed men reportedly ambushed and killed some travellers along the Okigwe Road in Imo State, some days ago.
The alleged killings have triggered mixed reactions, with a call for a thorough investigation to unravel the perpetrators.
But in a statement released on Tuesday, Ejiofor said the quick attribution of the killings to IPOB, without exhaustive verification, raises serious concerns about the integrity and neutrality of the Amnesty International report.
According to him, this approach does not align with the expected standards of a globally respected human rights organisation.
He said while he condemned the killing of the innocent travellers by yet-to-be-identified “heartless” perpetrators, he called on Nigerian security agencies to promptly and meticulously investigate the heinous crimes and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted according to the law.
The statement read, “In light of the recent hasty statement issued by Amnesty International (Nigeria) on the Okigwe killings, it is imperative to underscore the need for a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation.
“The quick attribution of the killings to IPOB, without exhaustive verification, raises serious concerns about the integrity and neutrality of the report.
“It must be unequivocally stated that no individual or authority, regardless of their constitutional powers, is permitted to take another’s life outside the due process enshrined in Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The sanctity of human life must remain inviolable.
“I call on Nigeria’s security agencies to promptly and meticulously investigate these heinous crimes and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted according to the law.
“The security agencies should stop paying lip service as they often do, and actually conduct a thorough investigation into these dastardly and wanton killings.”
The human rights lawyer said upon a careful review of Amnesty International Nigeria’s statement, several inconsistencies and troubling lapses were observed, such as “questionable sources of casualty figures, premature attribution of blame, potential conflict of interest and ongoing threats in the region”.
“Amnesty International Nigeria reported specific casualty figures without disclosing any independent verification sources.
“This departs from their well-established protocol, which emphasises independent investigations often taking days or weeks before conclusions are drawn.
“While the police acknowledged the attack, they refrained from confirming exact casualty numbers or the real identity of the attackers. Amnesty’s conclusive link to IPOB, therefore, appears speculative and unsubstantiated.
“Concerns have also been raised about the neutrality of the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, who use to hold a political appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor of Yobe State. This dual role casts a shadow over the objectivity of the organisation’s reporting.
“It is a well-known fact that remnants of armed elements loyal to Simon Ekpa continue to destabilise communities across the South-East. While this remains a security concern demanding urgent state intervention, it should not justify rushed attributions of blame without due diligence,” he added.
According to him, national and international stakeholders must demand a credible, unbiased, and fact-driven investigation into the Okigwe killings.
He insisted that the loss of innocent lives must not be politicised or sensationalised, adding that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, both to honour the victims and to safeguard the rule of law in our democracy.
“Only the truth, firmly established through rigorous investigation, can pave the path to justice and lasting peace,” he said.
-
News14 hours agoJust in: Another major headache as 3 PDP senators defect to APC
-
News23 hours agoUS revokes governor’s visa
-
News24 hours ago2nd Anniversary: Tinubu to commission Abuja International Conference Centre – Wike
-
News16 hours agoUnion seals Lagos company over racial discrimination of workers
-
News15 hours agoCourt Jails Two Six Months for Naira Abuse in Lagos
-
Metro23 hours agoTension in Ondo community as herdsman dies in clash with vigilance group
-
News15 hours ago$1.43m scam: Ajudua on the run as Supreme Court orders his return to prison
-
News23 hours agoTaraba Woos Global Investors Ahead of Landmark Economic Summit