Uproar As Federal Poly Bans Male-Female Interaction During Ramadan In Bauchi

The management of Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, has stirred nationwide controversy after issuing a directive prohibiting male and female students from standing together in pairs during the holy month of Ramadan.

In a circular dated Wednesday, February 25, 2026, signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Alhaji Kamisu Salihu, the institution warned that students caught violating the rule 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. Please respect the sanctity of the Polytechnic and avoid unnecessary closeness,” the notice read.

“Any student found violating this directive will be subjected to an instant marriage and shall bear the cost of their own Walima (wedding feast).”

The unusual policy, which many have likened to a Sharia-style restriction, has drawn widespread condemnation across social media platforms.

Religious and civic commentators have criticised the move as unconstitutional and discriminatory.

Apostle Michael Olowookere, who shared the notice online, compared the Polytechnic’s actions to those of extremist regimes.

“Islam is all about submission and subjugation… Afghanistan no do pass this one ooo!” Olowookere wrote, referencing the Taliban’s restrictive policies.

Similarly, X user @NobleChizaram argued that Nigeria’s multi-religious identity is being undermined.
“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 stated.

Another social-media commentator, Olagoke Eben (@BigEbenola), urged the Federal Ministry of Education to intervene.

“This is a federal polytechnic under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education. The Registrar must be summoned to Abuja to answer questions on this open Islamization of a federal government institution,” Eben wrote.

Some users linked the directive to what they described as a broader agenda of religious domination.
User @SolomonTheophi9 alleged that the government is complicit in a “violence and submission” plan designed to elevate one faith above others.

Another user, @ekpen76 (Leonard), wrote, “They’re already using Sharia to control Christians in the North. Sharia breeds terrorism.”

Others criticised perceived hypocrisy within the institution.

User @johwestz claimed that while the Polytechnic enforces strict daytime rules, “lecturers’ cars frequently visit female hostels at night,” particularly around the Gwalamaiji area.

The controversy has also attracted international attention.

Commentator @bobnyaknno1 linked the development to recent reports by U.S. Representative Riley M. Moore, who cited Nigeria as “one of the deadliest places for Christians” in communications sent to the White House.

As of press time, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi had neither issued a formal statement beyond the circular, nor responded to mounting public criticism.