- Polytechnic bans male-female pairing during Ramadan
- Threat of forced Nikkah for defaulters
- Circular signed by registrar dated Feb 25, 2026
- Policy triggers nationwide backlash
The management of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi has sparked widespread controversy after issuing a directive that prohibits male and female students from standing together in couples on campus during the holy month of Ramadan.
The directive was contained in an official notification dated February 25, 2026, and signed by the institution’s Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Kamisu Salihu.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
According to the circular, any student found violating the directive would be subjected to an immediate arranged Nikkah (Islamic marriage).
“During the Holy month of Ramadan, standing together in couple (boy & girl) is strictly prohibited,” the notice stated.
The management further urged students to respect the moral environment of the institution and avoid what it described as unnecessary closeness.
“Please respect the sanctity of the Polytechnic and avoid unnecessary closeness,” the notice read.
The circular added that in the event of an enforced marriage, the affected students would be solely responsible for organising their Walima (wedding feast).
The directive has since ignited intense debate online, with critics accusing the federal institution of imposing religious rules in a secular academic setting.
Prominent cleric Michael Olowookere, who shared the notice publicly, likened the policy to practices associated with extremist regimes.
“Islam is all about submission and subjugation… Afghanistan no do pass this one ooo!” he wrote.
Similar reactions followed on social media platform X, where users expressed concern over religious freedom and national unity.
One user, identified as Noble Chizaram, warned that Nigeria’s plural identity was under threat.
“Nigeria is not owned by one religion. Any attempt to silence others in the name of faith is extremism; this rascality should stop,” the user wrote.
As the controversy continues to gain traction, many Nigerians are calling on education authorities to clarify the policy and address concerns about students’ rights, religious balance, and the role of federal institutions in a multi-faith society.
