FUTB Cancels Mid-Semester Break and Enforces 75% Attendance Requirement

The Senate of the Federal University of Technology, Bauchi (FUTB) has made two significant decisions affecting students: cancellation of the upcoming mid-semester break and implementation of a mandatory 75% class attendance policy starting from the 2025/2026 academic session.

Senate's Concerns About Student Resumption

During its meeting on July 17, 2025, the university Senate expressed serious concerns regarding poor student turnout for the 2024/2025 academic session's second semester. Despite academic activities commencing over three weeks earlier, many students had not yet returned to campus.

Mid-Semester Break Cancelled

In response to the low resumption rate, the Senate has cancelled the one-week mid-semester break that was originally scheduled for July 28 to August 3, 2025.

Reason for Cancellation: The university stated this decision serves as a deterrent to poor attendance and reinforces the importance of complying with the academic calendar going forward.

What This Means: Students will continue with normal academic activities throughout the period that was designated for the break. Classes, practicals, and other academic engagements will proceed without interruption.

New 75% Attendance Policy

Effective from the 2025/2026 academic session, FUTB will enforce a strict attendance requirement:

• Minimum Requirement: Students must maintain at least 75% attendance in all registered courses
• Consequence: Students who fail to meet this threshold will not be eligible to sit for examinations in affected courses
• No Exceptions: The directive specifies there will be no waivers or special considerations

How the 75% Attendance Rule Works

Understanding the attendance calculation:

Example: If a course has 40 class meetings throughout the semester:

• 75% attendance = 30 classes minimum
• Missing more than 10 classes = exam disqualification
• Calculation: (Classes Attended ÷ Total Classes) × 100 ≥ 75%

What Students Should Do

To avoid being barred from examinations:

1. Track Your Attendance: Keep a personal record of classes attended in each course
2. Verify With Lecturers: Regularly confirm your attendance status with course lecturers
3. Plan for Emergencies: Factor in the 25% allowance for unavoidable absences (illness, family emergencies)
4. Prioritize Attendance: Make class attendance a non-negotiable priority
5. Communicate Early: If facing challenges that might affect attendance, speak with your academic adviser or Head of Department immediately

Implications for Current Students

For 2024/2025 academic session:

• The cancelled mid-semester break affects current students immediately
• Students should adjust their plans accordingly
• No travel or personal commitments should be scheduled for July 28 - August 3, 2025

For 2025/2026 academic session onwards:

• The 75% attendance policy becomes mandatory
• Students must adapt their schedules to prioritize class attendance
• Poor attendance can directly result in exam disqualification and extended study duration

Why Universities Enforce Attendance Policies

Strict attendance requirements serve several purposes:

• Academic Performance: Research shows strong correlation between class attendance and exam success
• Practical Learning: Laboratory work, presentations, and group discussions cannot be replicated outside class
• Lecturer-Student Interaction: Direct engagement with lecturers enhances understanding
• Accreditation Standards: Professional bodies and NUC require evidence of student engagement
• Resource Optimization: Ensures efficient use of university infrastructure and staffing

Managing Your Attendance

Practical tips for maintaining the 75% threshold:

1. Arrive early to ensure you're counted present (some lecturers close attendance lists after first 10-15 minutes)
2. Sign attendance sheets carefully and legibly
3. Keep copies or photos of signed attendance sheets as backup records
4. If you miss class due to illness, obtain a medical report and submit to the course lecturer
5. Participate actively in class to ensure lecturers remember your presence
6. Form study groups to encourage mutual accountability for attendance

Important Reminder: The Senate emphasized that students should take these directives seriously and comply fully with the new requirements.

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