Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Bauchi: Adjustment of Working Hours for Ramadan 2026

The management of Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Bauchi State, has officially announced a significant adjustment to the institution's operating hours in anticipation of the holy month of Ramadan. This administrative decision, aimed at supporting the spiritual welfare of the university community, was communicated through an internal memorandum from the Office of the Registrar.

Signed by B. M. Sabo (Principal Assistant Registrar, Establishments) on behalf of the Registrar, the memo (Ref: SAZU/REG/ESTB/GC/) specifies that all staff and members of the university community will observe a revised schedule of 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. throughout the fasting period.

A Support System for Spiritual Observance
The reduction in working hours is a proactive measure by the university leadership, under Vice-Chancellor Professor Fatimah Tahir, to alleviate the physical demands on staff and students during the fast. By shifting the start time to 9:00 a.m. and closing at 2:00 p.m., the institution provides its Muslim faithful with ample time for prayer, reflection, and the preparation of Iftar (the meal to break the fast).

The memorandum noted:

“In view of the forthcoming holy Month of Ramadan, the University management has approved the adjustment of the working hours from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to enable the Muslim faithful observe the full blessing of the Month.”

Impact on the 2025/2026 Academic Calendar
This adjustment comes at a crucial time in the 2025/2026 academic session. According to the university’s approved calendar, the First Semester examinations are scheduled to take place between Monday, 2nd March and Saturday, 14th March 2026. This means that the initial phase of the Ramadan working hours will overlap with the conclusion of the examination period and the beginning of the semester break.

Staff involved in essential services—including security personnel, health workers at the university clinic, and staff overseeing the examination halls—are expected to maintain their roles while adhering to the adjusted shifts where possible. The management has emphasized that the university will revert to its standard operating hours immediately after the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, which are tentatively marked for late March.

Institutional Identity: From BASUG to SAZU
It is important to note that Sa’adu Zungur University, formerly known as Bauchi State University, Gadau (BASUG), is currently undergoing a period of institutional rebranding. The university was renamed in honor of the late Nigerian nationalist and politician, Sa’adu Zungur, following a bill signed by Governor Bala Mohammed.

This policy of adjusting hours during Ramadan is part of a long-standing tradition in many northern Nigerian tertiary institutions, reflecting a commitment to cultural sensitivity and staff welfare. The university, which operates across three campuses—Gadau (Main Campus), Misau, and Bauchi (Yuli)—continues to expand its academic offerings while maintaining its core values of integrity and service.

Management’s Message to the Community
As the university prepares for this transition, the management has expressed its goodwill toward all staff and students. On behalf of the administration, B. M. Sabo concluded the memorandum with a warm message: “I wish you a blissful Ramadan Kareem!”

Students and staff are encouraged to complete any pending administrative tasks—such as course registrations or the printing of examination slips—within the new 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. window to avoid delays. For those involved in the NERD project upload or NELFUND inquiries, the relevant units will also be operating under this temporary schedule.