Nigerian University Christmas & New Year Break Calendar 2025/2026: Complete Schedule

Planning your holiday travel? This comprehensive calendar compiles Christmas and New Year break schedules for Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Find when your institution closes and resumes for the 2025/2026 session.

Complete Break Schedule by Institution

Key Observations

Longest Breaks

• University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT): 25 days (Dec 18 - Jan 12)
• Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH): 20 days (Dec 21 - Jan 10)
• Bayero University, Kano (BUK): 19 days (Dec 22 - Jan 10)

Brief Holiday Periods

Some institutions observe only the public holidays (December 25-26, January 1) with minimal extended closure:

• MOUAU - Resumes between holidays
• UNIMAID - Closes only around specific holiday dates
• FUT Babura, ZAMSU - Public holidays only

Most Common Resumption Dates

• January 5, 2026: DELSU, ESUT, FCE Obudu, FUE Zaria, UNIUYO (most popular)
• January 6, 2026: IAUE
• January 10, 2026: BUK, YABATECH
• January 12, 2026: UNIPORT (latest)

Essential Services During Breaks

Most institutions maintain essential services throughout the holiday period:

• Security Personnel: Campus protection and safety
• Health Services: Medical centers for emergencies
• Estate Management: Facility maintenance and utilities
• Power Supply Units: Electricity and infrastructure

Staff assigned to essential duties must report during holidays to ensure smooth university operations.

Student Planning Guide

Before You Leave Campus

• Complete all pending academic assignments and submissions
• Clear any outstanding fees or financial obligations
• Secure your hostel accommodation for next semester
• Pack essential documents you may need during the break
• Turn off all electrical appliances in your room/hostel
• Inform your department of your contact details during break

Travel Tips

• Book early: Transportation costs increase during holidays
• Travel in daylight: Safer road conditions and visibility
• Avoid December 24-25: Peak travel period with heavy traffic
• Return early: Arrive 1-2 days before resumption to settle in
• Keep emergency contacts: University security, department heads

During the Break

• Use the time for academic preparation and rest
• Review first semester materials and prepare for exams
• Complete any carry-over assignments or projects
• Stay connected with class representatives for updates
• Monitor your university portal for announcements

Important Reminders

Hostel Accommodations

• Most institutions require students to vacate hostels during breaks
• YABATECH specifically mandates full-time students vacate hostels
• Some universities allow students with urgent needs to apply for stay permits
• Contact your institution's accommodation office for specific policies

Academic Calendar Compliance

• Lectures resume immediately on stated resumption dates
• No grace period - be on campus by resumption day
• Late return may affect attendance records and CA scores
• Some institutions schedule tests or exams shortly after resumption

Second Semester Preparation

Use the Christmas break to prepare for the second semester:

• Course Registration: Check if second semester registration opens during break
• Fee Payment: Confirm deadlines and payment requirements
• Academic Planning: Review your GPA and plan improvements
• Textbooks: Acquire required texts before semester rush

Stay Informed

This calendar is compiled from official university announcements as of December 2025. For the most current information:

• Check your institution's official website and portal
• Monitor departmental notice boards and WhatsApp groups
• Follow your university's official social media channels
• Contact the Registrar's office for clarifications

Note: Dates may be subject to change based on institutional decisions or unforeseen circumstances. Always verify with your specific institution.

Festive Season Wishes

The management of these institutions extend warm wishes to students, staff, and the entire university community for a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. May the holiday period bring rest, renewal, and quality time with loved ones.

Safe travels, and see you in 2026!