The Bauchi State government has announced the closure of all schools in the state for five weeks in preparation for the 2025 Ramadan fast.

The announcement was included in the approved school calendar for the 2024-2025 academic session.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Friday, Jalaludeen Maina, the Information Officer at the Ministry of Education, confirmed that the holiday had been scheduled in advance.

He stated that the closure would take effect from March 1 to April 5 and would affect all public and private primary, junior, and secondary schools, as well as higher institutions in the state.

“Yes, we are closing all our schools, and this is included in our 2024-2025 approved calendar for the academic session so that our students do not have to fast while in school. The five-week holiday is for Ramadan fasting, and immediately after the fasting, they will resume and continue with their academics,” he said.

Meanwhile, some parents have expressed concerns over the prolonged break, saying it could affect their children’s educational progress.

Mrs. Sunita Joseph, a parent, criticized the decision, calling the break too long.

“Why would Ramadan break be this long? The children may even start forgetting what they had learned before the break,” she said.