ABU Zaria 2025/2026 Session Begins: Registration Opens January 5, Lectures Start January 12

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, announces the commencement of the 2025/2026 academic session. The university welcomes both fresh and returning undergraduate and postgraduate students, with registration portal opening Monday, January 5, 2026 and lectures beginning Monday, January 12, 2026.

Critical Dates for 2025/2026 Session

Session Timeline

For Fresh Students (100 Level)

Priority Actions Starting January 5

1. Register Online: Access ABU registration portal starting January 5
2. Complete Screening: Attend mandatory screening exercises for newly admitted students
3. Apply for Hostel: Submit accommodation application via portal (opens January 5)
4. Pay Fees: Complete tuition and registration fee payments
5. Document Verification: Submit original credentials for verification
6. Prepare for Lectures: Arrive on campus before January 12 when classes begin

Fresh Student Registration Requirements

• JAMB admission letter and UTME result slip
• O'Level certificates or statements of results (minimum 5 credits including English and Mathematics)
• Birth certificate or age declaration
• State of origin certificate or letter of identification
• Passport photographs (multiple copies)
• Acceptance fee payment receipt
• Medical fitness certificate (where required)

Screening Exercise

Fresh students must participate in screening exercises that will run concurrently with registration and lectures:

• Document verification and authenticity checks
• Physical screening and biometric capture
• Medical screening (if applicable)
• Academic placement confirmation
• Faculty and departmental induction

For Returning Students (200-500 Level, Postgraduate)

Before January 5

• Clear Outstanding Fees: Pay any previous semester or session arrears
• Check Results: Verify previous semester results for carry-over courses
• Plan Course Selection: Review available courses and prepare registration list
• Resolve Issues: Clear any academic or administrative holds on your account

January 5-11 Actions

1. Access registration portal when it opens January 5
2. Complete online course registration
3. Apply for hostel accommodation (if needed)
4. Pay tuition and other required fees
5. Print course registration forms for advisor approval
6. Arrive on campus before January 12

Postgraduate Students

• Register for courses through postgraduate school portal
• Meet with supervisors (for thesis students)
• Attend departmental seminars starting January 12
• Complete any pending research or coursework requirements

NELFUND Applicants: Important Notice

Fee Payment Strategy

The university has issued specific guidance for students who applied for Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND):

"Students who have applied for NELFUND should proceed with fee payments to meet registration deadlines. The university guarantees refunds upon loan disbursement receipt."

What This Means

• Don't Wait for NELFUND: Pay fees now to avoid missing registration deadline
• Refund Guaranteed: University will refund your payment when NELFUND disburses
• Avoid Late Registration: Waiting for NELFUND may cause you to miss critical deadlines
• Stay Registered: Ensures you can attend lectures starting January 12

How It Works

1. Pay your school fees using personal/family funds before January 5
2. Complete registration process normally
3. When NELFUND disburses your loan to the university
4. University processes refund of the amount you paid
5. You receive refund to your designated account

Hostel Accommodation

Accommodation Portal Access

• Portal Opens: Monday, January 5, 2026
• Application Process: Online through ABU accommodation portal
• Eligibility: Registered students who have paid fees
• Allocation: Subject to availability, typically first-come basis

Accommodation Preparation

• Apply early when portal opens to increase chances of allocation
• Prepare required documents (student ID, fee receipts)
• Have backup off-campus options ready
• Budget for hostel fees and deposit

Academic Calendar Reference

Official Calendar

The university released a special bulletin on Friday, January 2, 2026, containing the approved academic calendar for 2025/2026 session. Students should:

• Download the official calendar from ABU website
• Note important dates for add/drop, mid-semester break, examinations
• Plan semester activities according to official schedule
• Monitor official channels for any calendar updates

Important Reminders

Registration Priorities

• Register early: Portal opens January 5 - don't delay
• NELFUND applicants: Pay fees now, get refund later
• Complete all clearances: Ensure no academic or financial holds
• Verify course prerequisites: Especially for returning students
• Apply for accommodation: Portal opens same day as registration (January 5)

Arrival and Preparation

• Plan to arrive on campus by January 10-11 at latest
• Bring all required documents (originals and copies)
• Budget for registration fees, accommodation, and initial expenses
• Have backup accommodation plans if hostel unavailable
• Prepare mentally for immediate academic engagement from January 12

For Enquiries

Contact Information

• Institution: Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
• Website: abu.edu.ng (check for portal links and official announcements)
• Registry: Contact registry for registration queries
• Student Affairs: For accommodation and welfare matters
• Faculty Offices: For program-specific questions

Key Takeaways

• ABU Zaria 2025/2026 session begins January 5, 2026 (registration portal)
• Lectures commence Monday, January 12, 2026 for all students
• Both fresh and returning students (undergraduate and postgraduate) welcomed
• NELFUND applicants: Pay fees now, university guarantees refunds
• Accommodation portal opens January 5 - apply early
• Screening for new students runs concurrently with other activities
• Download academic calendar from abu.edu.ng for complete semester schedule
• Special bulletin released January 2 contains detailed calendar framework