If you are planning to study at the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC) in Wudil, Kano State, understanding how the institution structures its academic year is just as important as knowing the admission requirements.
Below, we explain how the POLAC academic calendar works for the 2025/2026 academic session in the absence of the public academic calendar.
POLAC Resumption Dates 2025/2026 Session
Resumption is one of the most closely watched aspects of the POLAC academic calendar, and the institution typically announces dates for both fresh and returning cadets separately.
For the 2025/2026 academic session, the management announced September 16, 2025 as the official resumption date for all students.
It is worth noting that resumption dates can change due to external factors. These dates may be affected if the Academic Staff Union of Universities embarks on strike, since POLAC, as a federal university, falls under ASUU's jurisdiction.
Cadets and prospective students should always monitor the official POLAC website at polac.edu.ng for the most current announcements.
POLAC First Semester Academic Activities
The first semester is the opening phase of the academic year and typically spans several months of intensive academic and professional training.
During this period, cadets begin lectures in their respective faculties and departments while also participating in routine police training exercises.
POLAC offers degree programmes across several faculties, including science, law, humanities, and social sciences. These academic programmes are designed to complement the professional training required for policing and law enforcement careers.
Throughout the semester, cadets attend lectures, practical sessions, and training drills. Academic departments also schedule seminars, presentations, and coursework assessments that contribute to the whole grading system.
In addition to classroom activities, the first semester includes structured police training sessions such as weapon handling, parade drills, and physical fitness exercises. These activities are essential for preparing cadets for their future roles as officers in the Nigeria Police Force.
Toward the end of the semester, students sit for their first semester examinations. These exams assess the cadets’ understanding of their academic courses as well as their whole performance during the semester.
POLAC Second Semester Academic Activities
After the completion of first semester examinations and a short break, cadets return to campus for the second semester. This stage continues the academic progression of the academic year while advancing professional police training.
During the second semester, cadets take new courses related to their degree programs while continuing advanced training in law enforcement skills. These activities may include investigative procedures, crime prevention strategies, and community policing studies.
Second semester activities often include practical training exercises designed to simulate real life policing scenarios. These exercises help cadets develop problem solving skills and decision making abilities required for law enforcement duties.
Another important component of the second semester is project work and academic research, particularly for senior cadets in their final year. These research projects allow students to examine topics related to criminology, security studies, law enforcement, or public safety.
At the end of the semester, cadets participate in final examinations that determine their academic progression to the next level of study.
POLAC Admission and Screening Timeline 2025/2026
The academic calendar of the Nigeria Police Academy also includes admission related events such as application periods, screening exercises, and candidate selection.
Applications for admission to the academy’s regular course programmes are usually open for several weeks through the official admission portal. Candidates must complete online registration and meet the academy’s eligibility requirements.
Following the application stage, shortlisted candidates are invited for a comprehensive screening exercise conducted at the academy campus in Wudil. The screening process typically includes computer based tests, medical examinations, physical fitness assessments, and interviews conducted by a selection board.
These screening exercises are often organised in batches based on applicants’ states of origin. This structured process ensures that the academy can efficiently evaluate a large number of candidates from across the country.
Successful candidates are subsequently offered admission and instructed to report to the academy on the specified resumption date as outlined in the academic calendar.
Important Events in the POLAC Academic Calendar
The POLAC academic calendar contains several important academic and administrative events that guide the activities of cadets throughout the year.
One of the most important events is the matriculation ceremony, where newly admitted cadets officially become students of the academy. This ceremony marks the formal beginning of their academic journey.
Another important event is the passing out parade for graduating cadets. This event symbolises the completion of their academic training and their transition into active service as officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
The academic calendar also includes examination periods, training exercises, mid semester breaks, and faculty related activities such as seminars and workshops.
These events ensure that cadets receive comprehensive academic instruction while also developing leadership, discipline, and professional skills required for policing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many months is the Nigerian police training?
A: Police training in Nigeria typically lasts between six and nine months for recruit constables at Police Training Colleges
Q: Does Polac allow phones?
A: Personal mobile phones are generally not allowed for cadets during training at the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC) to maintain discipline and minimise distractions.
Q: What is the dress code for Polac screening?
A: All applicants are required to appear in a clean white T-shirt and white shorts
Q: Do POLAC cadets go on holiday?
A: Cadets are allowed two major vacations in a year: Summer Break at around 6 weeks (May to June) and Winter Break at around 4 weeks (December to January).
Q: Is it compulsory to put Polac as the first choice?
A: Only applicants who selected POLAC as their first choice institution in JAMB will be considered.
