The management of Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi has come under intense public scrutiny after issuing a directive barring male and female students from standing together in pairs on campus during the month of Ramadan.
In a circular dated February 25, 2026, and signed by the institution’s Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Alhaji Kamisu Salihu, students were warned against what the notice described as “standing together in couple (boy & girl)” throughout the holy month.
The directive further cautioned that any students found violating the order could face disciplinary measures, including what it described as an immediate arrangement of a Nikkah (Islamic marriage).
The notice added that if such a marriage were to take place, the affected students would be responsible for covering the cost of their own Walima (wedding reception).
The statement urges students to “respect the sanctity of the Polytechnic” and avoid what it termed unnecessary closeness during Ramadan.
The directive has since triggered widespread reactions on social media, with critics arguing that the policy imposes religious-based restrictions within a federally funded academic institution. Supporters, however, say the move is aimed at maintaining moral standards during the Islamic holy month.
