The University of Lagos (UNILAG), one of Nigeria’s most prestigious and highly sought-after universities, has officially released its approved academic calendar for the 2025/2026 academic session. This calendar, sanctioned by the Senate on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, outlines in detail the schedule of academic and non-academic activities for both First and Second Semesters.
This update is crucial not only for fresh and returning students but also for parents, guardians, lecturers, and all stakeholders in the UNILAG community. It provides clarity on the academic journey ahead, ensuring that everyone can plan accordingly.
In this article, we will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the calendar, analyze its significance, and share important tips to help students maximize each phase of the academic year.
🔹 Why the Academic Calendar Matters
An academic calendar is not just a timetable of dates—it is the blueprint for the entire academic year. It helps students:
- Know when to register and avoid missing deadlines.
- Plan ahead for lectures, assignments, and examinations.
- Prepare for orientation, matriculation, and convocation events.
- Balance academics with social and extracurricular activities.
- Manage time effectively during breaks and lecture-free weeks.
For returning students, this calendar ensures they can settle back into academic life without confusion. For freshers, it is a guide that introduces them to the rhythm of life at UNILAG.
🟢 First Semester – 2025/2026 Academic Session
The First Semester kicks off with online registrations and runs until March 2026, spanning a total of about 22 weeks (lectures, exams, and breaks included). Below is the detailed schedule:
✅ October 2025
- October 6 – Online registration begins for returning students.
- October 27 – Official resumption of lectures for all students.
Insight: Returning students should take registration seriously because failure to register on time may affect access to lecture timetables, exams, and even hostel accommodation.
✅ November – December 2025
- Lectures continue for 8 weeks (October 27 – December 19).
- Fresh students’ orientation and matriculation will be scheduled during this period (dates yet to be announced).
- December 15 – 28 – Editing of registered courses (corrections allowed).
- December 22 – January 4 – Christmas/New Year break.
Insight: Students are encouraged to complete course registrations correctly before December 15 to avoid complications. The editing period is a lifesaver for those who made mistakes but should not be abused.
✅ January – February 2026
- January 5 – Lectures resume after the festive break.
- January 19 – 22 – Convocation Lecture and Ceremonies.
- February 6 – End of lectures.
- February 8 – 13 – Lecture-free week and GST (General Studies) examinations.
Insight: The convocation week often comes with disruptions in academic activities, so students must prepare to adjust their schedules accordingly.
✅ February – March 2026
- February 16 – March 7 – Main undergraduate examinations across all faculties.
- March 9 – 14 – Faculty of Education conducts examinations for core courses.
- March 14 – End of First Semester; students vacate halls of residence.
- March 14 – 27 – Two-week semester break.
Insight: Examinations are usually intensive at UNILAG, requiring adequate preparation. Students should avoid last-minute reading and instead adopt consistent study habits throughout the semester.
🔵 Second Semester – 2025/2026 Academic Session
The Second Semester is equally packed with academic and extracurricular activities. It is expected to run from March 2026 to July 2026, after which the long vacation begins.
✅ March – April 2026
- March 14 – Online registration for Second Semester begins.
- March 30 – Lectures resume officially.
- April 6 – 11 – Hall Week (students’ union and hall events).
- April 12 – End of course registration.
Insight: Students must not underestimate Hall Week—it is both a social and networking opportunity. However, balance is key; participation should not come at the expense of academic focus.
✅ May – June 2026
- April 27 – May 3 – Course editing window opens (for corrections).
- June 29 – July 5 – Faculty Week celebrations across the university.
Insight: Faculty Week is one of the most vibrant periods on campus. It allows students to network with faculty members, showcase talents, and build leadership skills through organized events.
✅ July 2026
- July 10 – Lectures officially end.
- The Second Semester examinations will follow shortly after (dates expected to be announced).
📊 Summary Table – UNILAG 2025/2026 Academic Calendar
| Semester | Key Activities & Dates |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Registration: Oct 6 • Resumption: Oct 27 • Break: Dec 22 – Jan 4 • Exams: Feb 16 – Mar 14 |
| Second Semester | Registration: Mar 14 • Resumption: Mar 30 • Hall Week: Apr 6–11 • Faculty Week: Jun 29–Jul 5 • End of Lectures: Jul 10 |
🎓 Final Notes for Students
The 2025/2026 academic calendar is designed to keep UNILAG running smoothly while balancing academics, social life, and administrative events. Students should:
- Mark important dates in their personal calendars.
- Plan study schedules around exams and lecture-free weeks.
- Get involved in faculty and hall activities for personal growth.
- Avoid late registration, as penalties may apply.
- Take breaks seriously—rest is as important as academic work.
The University of Lagos has a reputation for academic excellence, and with proper planning, students can not only succeed academically but also build lasting memories throughout this academic year.
