The COOU academic calendar is the official timetable that guides everything that happens at the university throughout the year, from the first day of lectures to the very last examination. It is the university's master schedule: it tells students, lecturers, and staff exactly when academic activities begin and end, resumption dates, when breaks are planned, and when important events like registration and examinations are expected to take place.
Having a smooth 2025/2026 session relies on how informed you are as a student about the academic calendar. Pay close attention to the key dates and deadlines outlined in this calendar will guarantee a flawless academic year.
COOU Approved Academic Calendar 2025/2026 Academic Session
First Semester:
DATES | EVENTS |
|---|---|
Tuesday, 7th October | Returning students (200 level and above) resume |
Thursday, 9th October | Course registration for old students begins |
Tuesday, 14th October | Lectures commence for old students |
Wednesday, 29th October | 143rd Senate Meeting |
Tuesday, 4th November | Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Lecture |
Friday, 9th November | Online registration for old students ends |
Tuesday, 11th November | Late registration for old students begins (₦20,000 penalty) |
Tuesday, 18th November | Online registration for fresh students starts |
Wednesday, 26th November | 144th Senate Meeting |
Tuesday, 9th December | University wide quiz for returning students |
Friday, 19th December | Christmas carols and productivity bonus; holiday begins for all |
Friday, 2nd January | Christmas/New Year break ends |
Saturday, 3rd January | Students return to campus |
Tuesday, 6th January | Lectures resume |
Friday, 30th January | Registration closes for fresh students |
Tuesday, 3rd February | Late registration for fresh students begins (₦20,000 penalty) |
Friday, 6th February | Revision week for returning students |
Friday, 13th February | Matriculation ceremony for fresh students |
Tuesday, 17th February | Orientation programme for fresh students |
Thursday, 19th February | University wide quiz for new students |
Tuesday, 24th February | First semester exams begin for old students |
Wednesday, 25th February | 145th Senate Meeting |
Friday, 13th March | First semester exams end for returning students; two week break begins |
Tuesday, 17th March | Exams begin for fresh students |
Wednesday, 25th March | 146th Senate Meeting |
Tuesday, 31st March | Exams end for fresh students |
Friday, 3rd April | Good Friday (Public Holiday) |
Sunday, 5th April | Easter Sunday |
Monday, 6th April | Easter Monday (Public Holiday) |
Second Semester:
DATES | EVENTS |
|---|---|
Wednesday, 8th April | Students return |
Thursday, 9th April | Second semester lectures begin |
Friday, 1st May | Workers’ Day (Public Holiday) |
Tuesday, 5th – Friday, 8th May | Students Union Week |
Tuesday, 12th May | University wide quiz for old students |
Wednesday, 27th May | 148th Senate Meeting |
Friday, 12th June | Democracy Day (Public Holiday) |
Wednesday, 27th June | 149th Senate Meeting |
Friday, 17th July | Lectures end for old students |
Monday, 20th – Friday, 24th July | Revision week. |
Tuesday, 28th July | Second semester exams start for old students |
Wednesday, 29th July | 150th Senate Meeting |
Friday, 14th August | Exams end for old students |
Tuesday, 18th August | Second semester exams begin for new students |
Wednesday, 27th August | 151st Senate Meeting |
Saturday, 29th August | Exams end for fresh students |
Tuesday, 1st September | A & PC for Academic Staff |
Wednesday, 2nd September | A & PC for Senior Administrative and Technical Staff |
Thursday, 3rd September | A & PC for Junior (Non Teaching) Staff |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When did the 2025/2026 academic session officially begin?
A. The session kicked off on October 7, 2025, for returning students and later in the year for freshers.
Q. What was the deadline for freshers' registration?
A. Normal registration for the first semester ended on January 30, 2026.
Q. When did the 2025/2026 Matriculation ceremony take place?
A. The 27th Matriculation Ceremony was held on Friday, February 13, 2026, across both the Uli and Igbariam campuses.
Q. Are students expected to pay school fees before returning to campus?
A. There is no rule restricting those who have not paid from resuming, but it is important to take part in activities like registrations and exams depends on it.
Q. When will the 1st semester exams for freshers begin?
A. The first semester examinations for freshers will officially commence on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Q. How long is the break between the first and second semesters?
A. Students typically get a two week holiday before the second semester resumes.
Q. When does the 2025/2026 Second Semester begin?
A. Lectures for the second semester are scheduled to start for all students on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Q. When is the 2026 Students’ Union (SUG) Week?
A. The SUG week is currently scheduled for May 5 to May 8, 2026, across all campuses.
