A new academic session at Rivers State University (RSU) always kicks off with the release of a detailed academic calendar. It acts as a complete roadmap for the entire session, laying out every important event and activity, from the first day of resumption to the start of the final vacation.
This calendar for the 2025/2026 session isn’t just for students, though; it also maps out the schedule for the management team and provides a clear guide for all teaching and non teaching staff to help them manage their responsibilities throughout the year.
RSU Approved Academic Calendar 2025/2026 Session
First Semester:
DATE | ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|
Monday 3rd Nov, 2025 | Arrival of Fresh/Returning students and online registration for all students |
Monday 10th Nov, 2025 | First semester 2025/206 session lectures begin for all students. |
Friday 5th to Saturday 6th Dec, 2025 | 37th/38th combined convocation ceremony |
Saturday 20th Dec - Saturday 3rd Jan, 2026 | Christmas Break |
Monday 19th Jan - Friday 23rd Jan, 2026 | Orientation for Fresh Students |
Friday 23rd Jan, 2026 | Online registration for all students |
Wednesday 28th Jan, 2026 | Matriculation Ceremony |
Friday 13th February, 2026 | First Semester 2025/2026 Lectures end for all students |
Monday 23rd - Friday 27th Feb 2026 | First semester 2025/2026 examination for all Year 4 & 5 students |
Monday 2nd - Friday 6th March 2026 | First semester 2025/2026 examination for all year 2 & 3 students |
Monday 9th - Friday 13th March, 2026 | First semester 2025/2026 examination for all year 1 students |
Monday 16th - Friday 20th March, 2026 | First Semester Examination continues for all year 2 & 3 students. |
Monday 23rd - Friday 27th March, 2026 | First Semester 2025/2026 Examination for all |
Monday 30th March - Friday 13th April, 2026 | Submission of First Semester 2025/2026 Examination Result |
Second Semester:
DATES | ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|
Monday 6th, April - Friday 26th June, 2026 | Second semester 2025/2026 Academic session lectures for all students |
Monday 8th June - Saturday 13th June, 2026 | Student week 2025/2026 |
Monday 6th - Friday 10th July, 2026 | Second Semester 2025/2026 Examination for all year 4 & 5 students |
Monday 13th - Friday 17th July 2026 | Second Semester 2025/2026 Examination for all year 3 & 5 Students |
Monday 3rd - Friday 7th Aug 2026 | Second Semester 2025/2026 Examination for all year 3, 2, & 1 students (BMAS) |
Monday 10th - Friday 25th August 2026 | Submission of second semester 2025/2026 Examination results |
Wednessday 12th - Friday 14th August 2026 | Project Defence (External Examination) |
Monday 24th - Friday 28th August 2026 | Faculty board meeting to consider first semester and second semester results. A & GRC Meeting ends |
Thursday 24th September 2026 | Senate Meeting to Consider Results |
Friday 25th September, 2026 | 2025/2026 Session Ends |
Saturday 26th September - Saturday 17th October, 2026 | Vacation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the calendar the same for all departments?
While the general timeline (resumption, exams, holidays) is university wide, some departments may have specific internal schedules for practicals or project submissions
Q. Can the academic calendar change once it’s released?
A. Yes. While the university aims to stick to the plan, unforeseen circumstances can cause dates to shift. Always watch for official "circulars" or "memos" from the Registrar’s office.
Q. When is the best time to check the calendar?
A. Check it at the start of every semester and at least once a month to ensure you haven't missed any updates.
Q. What happens if I miss a registration deadline listed in the calendar?
A. You may face penalties or be unable to register, so treat these dates as strictly binding.
Q. Are exam dates flexible?
A. Exam dates are usually fixed. Missing an exam requires formal university procedures, not just an informal excuse.
Q. Is there a break between semesters?
A. Yes, the calendar clearly defines the vacation periods between the end of one semester and the start of the next.
Q. Does the calendar guide staff?
A. Yes, it sets timelines for result submission, meetings, and project supervision, ensuring staff are on the same schedule as students.
Q. Is there a difference between the Undergraduate and Postgraduate calendars?
A. Yes, they are often separate documents because postgraduate schedules can vary significantly from undergraduate ones. Always ensure you are looking at the document that applies to your level of study.
