As a student, knowing your school’s academic calendar is one of those small things that make a big difference. It helps you plan your studies, personal time, and even finances without stress. When you know what to expect and when to expect it, you stay one step ahead instead of rushing at the last minute.
The University of Calabar has now released its approved academic calendar for the 2025/2026 academic session. The calendar clearly shows the important dates for both freshers and returning students, covering lectures, breaks, examinations, and major school events.
UNICAL Academic Calendar 2025/2026
First Semester
Activity | Date |
|---|---|
Arrival of new students | Friday, September 26, 2025 |
Screening and registration (new students) | From Monday, September 29, 2025 |
Arrival of returning students | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 |
Lectures begin (all students) | Thursday, October 2, 2025 |
Solemn Assembly | Monday, October 6, 2025 |
Freshers’ orientation | October 13–14, 2025 |
Matriculation ceremony | Friday, November 21, 2025 |
Christmas break | December 19, 2025 – January 9, 2026 |
Revision begins | Monday, January 12, 2026 |
GSS examinations | January 26 - 31, 2026 |
Other course examinations | February 2, 2026 |
End of first semester | February 26, 2026 |
Second Semester
Activity | Date |
|---|---|
Inaugural Lecture | 18 March, 2026 |
Students return to campus | 20 March, 2026 |
Registration begins for 500 Level (Stream B) | 23 March, 2026 |
38th Convocation Ceremony | 23 – 28 March, 2026 |
Lectures begin for all students | 30 March, 2026 |
Inaugural Lecture | 8 April, 2026 |
Inaugural Lecture | 22 April, 2026 |
Late registration begins for 500 Level (Stream B) | 27 April, 2026 |
Late registration ends for 500 Level (Stream B) | 4 May, 2026 |
Inaugural Lecture | 6 May, 2026 |
Continuous Assessment | 11 – 16 May, 2026 |
Inaugural Lecture | 20 May, 2026 |
Add and drop courses close for 500 Level (Stream B) | 1 June, 2026 |
Inaugural Lecture | 3 June, 2026 |
Revision week | 15 – 19 June, 2026 |
GSS Examinations | 22 – 27 June, 2026 |
Exams for other courses begin | 29 June, 2026 |
Examinations end | 20 July, 2026 |
Long vacation begins | 21 July, 2026 |
Resumption Date for Freshers
Newly admitted students are expected to arrive on campus on September 26, 2025, with registration officially starting on September 29, 2025.
Make sure you complete all your registrations before lectures begin to avoid late registration fees and missing classes.
If you have not yet confirmed your admission status, you can check your name on the UNICAL admission list before resumption.
Resumption Date for Returning Students
Returning students are to resume on September 30, 2025, with registration opening on October 2, 2025.
Lectures will begin the same day registration starts, so students are advised to complete payments and course registration promptly to avoid missing classes.
Examination Timeline
The First semester exams will take place from January 26 to February 26, 2026. Second semester exams will run from June 22 to July 20, 2026.
Important Information
Get all the necessary documents ready for registration before resumption to avoid mistakes.
Make sure all fees and payments are made correctly. You can also check the Unical School Fees Schedule for more info on fees and steps to take.
One more thing, if you want to stay in the school hostel, don’t wait around. Check out the UNICAL hostel fees and registration guide and lock in your spot before spaces get filled up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is UNICAL resuming for the 2025/2026 academic session?
A: The University of Calabar will resume academic activities on September 26, 2025, for both freshers and returning students.
Q: Has UNICAL released the academic calendar for 2025/2026?
A: Yes, UNICAL has officially released the approved academic calendar for the 2025/2026 session, covering lectures, examinations, and breaks.
Q: When will lectures start at UNICAL for new students?
A: Lectures for newly admitted students will begin after registration opens on September 29, 2025.
Q: How long is the first semester at UNICAL?
A: The first semester at UNICAL lasts 16 weeks, made up of 12 weeks of lectures and 4 weeks of examinations.
Q: When is UNICAL's first semester examination starting?
A: The first semester examination will begin on January 26, 2026, after a revision period scheduled from January 19 to 24.
Q: Is there a Christmas break in the UNICAL academic calendar?
A: Yes, UNICAL will observe a Christmas break starting from December 19, 2025, before academic activities resume in January.
