Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Bauchi State, has officially announced the temporary closure of the institution, following a directive issued by the Commissioner, Ministry of Higher Education and Regional Integration, acting on the authority of the Executive Governor of Bauchi State. The decision, which takes effect immediately, was communicated through an internal memorandum released by the Office of the Registrar on Monday, November 24, 2025.

This development marks a significant adjustment to the university’s 2025/2026 academic schedule and affects all categories of students and academic activities across the institution.

Background of the Closure

The temporary shutdown forms part of a broader governmental directive instructing all learning institutions in the state to suspend activities until further notice. While the memo did not state the specific reasons behind the sudden directive, temporary closures of this nature typically arise from concerns relating to public safety, security situations, environmental alerts, or administrative reorganizations within the state’s education sector.

In compliance with the state government’s order, SAZU management stressed that the institution must suspend lectures, examinations, practicals, fieldwork, and all official student engagements immediately. This ensures alignment with the government’s instructions and promotes the wellbeing of the university community.

Scope of the Closure

According to the Registrar’s memo, the closure affects:

• All students (undergraduate and postgraduate)

• All on-campus academic activities

• All departmental and faculty-level engagements

• University-organized training, workshops, and events

However, the memo clarified that the shutdown does not apply to every category of staff. Certain essential personnel whose duties are critical to the university’s daily operations are expected to remain available.

Essential Services to Continue

The memo specifically states that staff members providing essential services should continue their operations as required. These include units such as:

• Security personnel

• Health services/University clinic

• Power and water supply staff

• ICT and network operations

• Administrative units necessary for emergency or maintenance duties

The institution emphasized that while normal academic activities are suspended, essential functions needed for campus safety, facility maintenance, and critical administrative work must continue uninterrupted.

Safety Advisory for Students Staying Back

One of the key highlights of the memo is the advice issued to students who may choose not to travel during the closure period. For those who intend to remain in Bauchi or reside off-campus, the university urges them to be extremely vigilant, remain indoors as much as possible, and avoid unnecessary movements.

The statement underscored that safety remains a top priority for the university, and students who stay behind should comply strictly with security advisories and updates from local authorities. The memo encourages students to:

• Stay in safe and trusted locations

• Avoid late-night movement

• Keep in touch with family and guardians

• Monitor official communication channels for updates

This advisory suggests that the closure may have been triggered, at least in part, by security concerns or events requiring heightened caution.

Effect on the Academic Calendar

The temporary closure also impacts previously scheduled academic timelines. The university confirmed that the earlier resumption date contained in the 2025/2026 Academic Calendar has been postponed until further notice. This means that:

• The next phase of academic activities will not commence as initially planned

• Any pending lectures, tests, or assessments will be rescheduled

• Students are expected to await further instructions before returning to campus

The management assured students that once the state government issues new instructions, a revised academic calendar will be released.

Official Communication and Further Updates

The university encouraged students and staff to rely solely on official communication channels for accurate updates. This includes:

• The SAZU official website

• Verified social media pages

• Email broadcasts from the Office of the Registrar

• Faculty and departmental notice platforms

The memo warns against spreading unverified information, rumors, or unofficial statements, emphasizing that clarity and calmness are crucial during such institutional interruptions.

What Students Should Do During the Closure

Students are advised to make productive use of this unexpected break by:

• Revising their notes and preparing ahead academically

• Downloading essential materials they may need later

• Staying engaged in online learning resources

• Maintaining communication with coursemates and faculty via official channels

• Ensuring personal safety and avoiding environments that may expose them to risks

The university community is encouraged to remain patient, cooperative, and mindful of the importance of the government’s directive.

University Management’s Assurance

In its final remarks, the Office of the Registrar expressed appreciation to the students and staff for their understanding and cooperation during this period. The management reaffirmed its commitment to:

• Protecting the welfare of students

• Ensuring the smooth continuation of the academic session once clearance is given

• Providing timely information regarding resumption and future adjustments

The memo concluded by urging the university community to remain calm, disciplined, and attentive to further announcements while the institution works closely with the state government to determine the next steps.

Summary

Sa’adu Zungur University has ordered a full temporary suspension of all learning activities following a directive from the Bauchi State Government. While essential staff will continue operations, students are required to halt academic activities immediately and prioritize their safety. The resumption date earlier stated in the academic calendar has been withdrawn, pending further notice.

The university community is encouraged to stay connected to official information sources as they await updated guidance on reopening.