adminThe Nigerian school resumption dates for the 2025/2026 academic session are one of the most anticipated updates for students, parents and educators across the country. Every academic year, schools at all levels – primary, secondary and tertiary institutions – follow a structured academic calendar set by the Federal Ministry of Education and state education boards. However, factors such as government policies, school-specific schedules and unforeseen disruptions can lead to variations in resumption dates. For parents, knowing when their children will return to school is crucial for budgeting and preparation.
For students, it helps in organizing academic activities, while for school administrators, it ensures smooth operations. With a new academic session approaching, staying informed about official school resumption dates is essential.
The education system in Nigeria follows a three-term structure for primary and secondary schools and a two-semester format for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. Each term and semester has a clearly defined start and end date, allowing schools to plan their curricula effectively. However, in recent years, school resumption dates have been affected by issues like COVID-19 disruptions, ASUU strikes and political events, leading to inconsistencies in the academic calendar.
Despite these setbacks, education authorities strive to maintain a stable system that ensures continuity in learning. This academic session is expected to follow a more predictable schedule, barring any unexpected disruptions.
For tertiary institutions, particularly public universities, school resumption is sometimes unpredictable due to strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other academic unions. These strikes have historically led to prolonged academic disruptions, causing some students to spend more years in school than necessary. Unlike public universities, private universities and some state universities maintain more stable academic calendars and are less affected by these disruptions. Meanwhile, primary and secondary schools, both public and private, generally adhere to a set timeline determined by the Ministry of Education in each state.
However, variations may exist due to local factors such as elections, holidays or infrastructural challenges.
One of the key factors influencing Nigerian school resumption dates for the 2025/2026 academic session is the ongoing effort by educational authorities to harmonize the academic calendar across all states. While federal and state governments provide general guidelines, some states may adjust their school calendars to accommodate regional events, climatic conditions or local policies.
For example, northern states, which often experience extended holidays due to religious festivities, may have slightly different resumption schedules compared to their southern counterparts. Understanding these differences is vital for students and parents, especially those relocating from one state to another.
As schools prepare for the new academic session, students and parents need to remain proactive in gathering accurate information about resumption dates. Many schools have transitioned to digital communication platforms, where they update students and parents about academic activities, examination dates and holiday schedules. Parents should take advantage of these platforms, school websites and government announcements to stay ahead of any changes in the Nigerian school resumption dates for the 2025/2026 academic session.
In the following sections, we will break down the exact school resumption dates across different levels of education, analyze the factors affecting these dates and provide useful tips for students and parents to prepare adequately for the upcoming school year.
Below is a general timeline for school resumption:
- First Term Resumption: Early or mid-September 2025
- Second Term Resumption: Early January 2026
- Third Term Resumption: Late April or early May 2026
For tertiary institutions, the dates may vary based on school-specific academic calendars. Universities may resume around September or October 2025 for the first semester and February or March 2026 for the second semester.
Primary and Secondary School Resumption Dates for 2025/2026 Academic Session
Public Schools Resumption Dates
Public schools in Nigeria follow the state-approved academic calendar, which aligns with federal guidelines. However, certain factors, such as holidays, elections or unforeseen circumstances, can lead to variations.
- Lagos State Resumption: Usually follows the federal academic calendar, with schools resuming in September 2025 for the first term.
- Ogun State Resumption: Expected to be early to mid-September 2025.
- Abuja Resumption: Public schools in Abuja often resume in sync with national directives, around early September 2025.
Most public schools across the country will likely resume between September 9 and September 16, 2025, barring any delays.
Private Schools Resumption Dates
Private schools in Nigeria often have more flexibility in setting their resumption dates. However, they generally follow a similar academic structure:
- First Term Resumption: Late August to early September 2025
- Second Term Resumption: January 2026
- Third Term Resumption: April/May 2026
Some elite private schools may start slightly earlier than public schools, ensuring they complete their syllabus ahead of the scheduled holiday periods.
Tertiary Institutions: University, Polytechnic and College Resumption Dates for 2025/2026
Federal Universities
Federal universities in Nigeria typically follow an academic calendar approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Due to frequent disruptions caused by ASUU strikes, elections and other unforeseen events, universities may experience slight variations in their resumption schedules.
Based on previous academic sessions, federal universities are expected to resume as follows:
- First Semester: September or October 2025
- Second Semester: February or March 2026
State Universities
State universities generally align their resumption dates with their respective state academic calendars. Unlike federal institutions, they may have fewer disruptions.
Expected resumption dates for state universities:
- First Semester: September to October 2025
- Second Semester: February to March 2026
Private Universities
Private universities in Nigeria have more structured academic calendars and are less likely to experience disruptions. Their academic schedules typically run as planned.
Projected resumption dates:
- First Semester: August or early September 2025
- Second Semester: January or February 2026
Students in private universities often complete their academic programs faster due to the stability in their calendars.
Factors Affecting Nigerian School Resumption Dates for 2025/2026 Academic Session
Several factors influence the Nigerian school resumption dates for the 2025/2026 academic session including:
- Federal and State Government Directives
The Federal Ministry of Education and respective State Ministries of Education determine the official school resumption dates. Changes in policies or new government regulations may affect these schedules.
- ASUU and Other Academic Union Strikes
Academic strikes, particularly those organized by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), have historically disrupted the Nigerian university academic calendar. If there are any unresolved labor disputes, resumption dates might shift.
- National and State Elections
During election years, schools, especially public universities, may adjust their calendars to accommodate voting and avoid security risks.
- Public Holidays and Festivities
National holidays such as Christmas, New Year, Eid-el-Fitr and Independence Day may affect the school calendar, pushing resumption dates forward or backward.
- Security Concerns
Insecurity in certain regions of the country can lead to school closures or delayed resumption in affected states.
- COVID-19 or Health-Related Emergencies
While the impact of the pandemic has reduced, unforeseen health crises could still alter the academic calendar.
How to Stay Updated on Nigerian School Resumption Dates for 2025/2026 Academic Session
To avoid confusion regarding Nigerian school resumption dates for the 2025/2026 academic session, students and parents should stay informed through reliable sources. Here are ways to do that:
- Follow Government Announcements – Regularly check updates from the Federal Ministry of Education and State Ministries of Education.
- Monitor School Websites – Schools often update their websites and official portals with the latest academic schedules.
- Join Online Education Forums – Platforms like Nairaland, Facebook groups and school WhatsApp groups provide timely information.
- Contact School Authorities – Parents and students should confirm directly from school administration offices.
- Listen to News Updates – Reliable media outlets like NTA, Channels TV, Punch Newspapers and Guardian often publish school resumption news.
What Students and Parents Should Do Before School Resumption in 2025/2026
To ensure a smooth transition into the new academic session, here are some key preparations:
For Students:
- Revise past lessons to refresh your knowledge.
- Organize school supplies including books, uniforms and stationery.
- Develop a study plan ahead of resumption.
- Ensure all school fees and levies are paid before deadlines.
- Follow school resumption announcements to avoid missing classes.
For Parents:
- Budget for school expenses including tuition, transport and feeding.
- Check with schools for any new regulations or curriculum changes.
- Help younger students develop a structured study routine before resumption.
- Confirm school transport arrangements, especially for students commuting long distances.
The Nigerian school resumption dates for the 2025/2026 academic session are crucial for students, parents and educators to plan effectively. While the general resumption timeline follows the traditional academic calendar, various factors can influence specific dates.
To avoid last-minute surprises, students and parents should remain updated through credible sources such as government announcements, school websites and news media. Preparing adequately before resumption will ensure a smooth academic session.
admin