Wondering when schools are resuming in Nigeria? Get the latest school resumption dates for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, including public and private schools across all states in Nigeria. Stay informed and plan ahead.
As the long school holidays wind down, parents, students, and educators across Nigeria start asking the same question: “When is school resuming?” Whether you’re a parent preparing your child’s school bag, a university student arranging accommodation, or a teacher planning lesson schedules, knowing the official school resumption dates is crucial for smooth planning.
School resumption in Nigeria can sometimes be a source of confusion because dates vary depending on the type of institution—whether it’s a federal school, state school, or private institution. Additionally, tertiary institutions such as universities and polytechnics often have separate academic calendars.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down school resumption dates for all levels of education in Nigeria, including primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. You’ll also find tips on staying updated and preparing for a smooth transition back to school.
Understanding the School Calendar in Nigeria
Nigeria’s school calendar is generally divided into three main types of schools:
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Public Schools – Managed by federal or state governments.
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Private Schools – Managed independently; calendars may differ slightly.
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Tertiary Institutions – Universities, polytechnics, and colleges with distinct academic sessions.
1.1 How the Federal Government Sets School Dates
The Federal Ministry of Education provides general guidelines for public schools. While these are often advisory, states usually align their school resumption dates with federal recommendations.
1.2 State-Level Variations
Different states in Nigeria sometimes modify school calendars due to local events, weather conditions, or public holidays. For example:
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Lagos State may resume slightly earlier than Kano State.
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Some northern states may adjust schedules due to climatic conditions.
1.3 Private Schools
Private schools, especially international schools in Nigeria, often operate on a slightly different calendar. They may start earlier or later than public schools but usually announce resumption dates well in advance.
School Resumption Dates for Primary and Secondary Schools in Nigeria
2.1 Federal Government Schools
Federal government-owned schools, including Unity Schools (Federal Government Colleges), often follow a three-term system:
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First Term: January – April
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Second Term: May – July
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Third Term: September – December
Expected Resumption for 2025:
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First Term: Mid-January 2025
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Second Term: Early May 2025
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Third Term: Early September 2025
Note: Exact dates are confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Education or the school administration.
2.2 State Government Schools
State-owned schools generally follow a similar three-term system. Some state schools may announce specific resumption dates for public primary and secondary schools on their official education portals.
2.3 Private Schools
Private schools often release their calendars months in advance. Parents should check school websites or WhatsApp communication groups for the exact date.
School Resumption Dates for Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria
Tertiary institutions like universities, polytechnics, and colleges have unique academic calendars that may vary significantly.
3.1 Universities
Universities usually operate on two major types of academic sessions:
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Semester System: Two semesters per academic year
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Sessional System: Three semesters (trimester) per academic year
Typical Resumption Periods for 2025:
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First Semester: Late September – Early October 2025
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Second Semester: Late February – Early March 2026
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Vacation: July – September 2025
3.2 Polytechnics and Colleges
Polytechnics and colleges of education also follow semester systems. Resumption dates for polytechnics often fall a few weeks after university resumption, giving students time to settle in.
Factors That Can Affect School Resumption Dates
Several factors may influence when schools officially resume:
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Government Announcements: The federal or state government may adjust dates due to emergencies, strikes, or health concerns.
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Security Issues: In certain areas, insecurity can cause delays.
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Weather Conditions: Heavy rains or flooding in some states can affect school opening.
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Public Holidays and National Events: These can sometimes shift academic calendars slightly.
Parents and students are advised to check official government portals or the school administration for updates.
Tips for Preparing for School Resumption
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Stay Updated: Follow your school’s official communication channels for announcements.
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Purchase School Supplies Early: Avoid last-minute rushes by preparing uniforms, books, and stationery ahead.
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Plan Transportation: For students commuting long distances, finalize transportation options in advance.
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Health Preparations: Ensure immunizations and medical check-ups are up-to-date.
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Mental Readiness: Encourage children and students to start adjusting sleeping and waking patterns before school resumes.
How to Confirm Your School’s Resumption Date
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Check Official School Website: Most schools post calendars online.
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Contact School Administration: A direct call or email can provide accurate information.
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State Ministry of Education Portal: For public schools, states regularly update official portals.
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Social Media Pages: Schools often announce dates via Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp groups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When is the resumption date for Lagos State schools?
A1: Lagos State public schools typically resume in mid-September for the third term and mid-January for the first term. Always check the Lagos State Ministry of Education website for updates.
Q2: Are private schools’ resumption dates different from public schools?
A2: Yes, private schools often operate independently and may start a few days or weeks before or after public schools.
Q3: When will Nigerian universities resume for the 2025/2026 session?
A3: Most universities plan to resume the first semester between late September and early October 2025, but exact dates vary.
Q4: What should parents do if school resumption is delayed?
A4: Stay calm, monitor announcements, and use the extra time to prepare your child for the next term.
Conclusion
Knowing when schools are resuming in Nigeria helps families plan effectively and ensures students start the academic session smoothly. While federal and state schools have general calendars, private schools and tertiary institutions may have slightly different schedules. By staying updated with official announcements and preparing in advance, parents, students, and educators can navigate the academic year without stress.
School resumption is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a chance for students to continue learning, grow socially, and achieve their academic goals. Keeping track of resumption dates ensures no child misses out on this important part of life.
Stay tuned to your school’s official communication channels and state education portals for the latest updates on school resumption in Nigeria. Bookmark this guide to make sure you never miss an important resumption date again!
