University of Calabar (UNICAL) Releases Complete 2025/2026 Academic Calendar

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has officially released its comprehensive academic calendar for the 2025/2026 session, providing students with critical dates for planning their academic year.

First Semester Schedule (September 2025 – February 2026)

The new academic session kicks off on Friday, September 19, 2025, with a structured timeline designed to ensure smooth academic progression:

Key First Semester Dates:

• New Student Screening/Registration: Monday, September 22, 2025
• Returning Students Return: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
• Lectures Begin: Thursday, September 25, 2025
• Solemn Assembly: Monday, September 29, 2025
• Freshers' Orientation: October 9-10, 2025
• Matriculation Ceremony: Friday, December 5, 2025
• Christmas Break: December 19, 2025 – January 9, 2026
• Revision Period Begins: January 12, 2026
• GSS Examinations: January 19, 2026
• Regular Course Exams: January 26, 2026
• First Semester Ends: Friday, February 20, 2026

Second Semester Schedule (March 2026 – July 2026)

Key Second Semester Dates:

• Students Return: Friday, March 13, 2026
• Lectures Resume: Monday, March 23, 2026
• 38th Convocation Ceremony: March 23-28, 2026
• Continuous Assessment Week: May 4-8, 2026
• Revision Period: June 8, 2026
• Examinations: June 15 – July 13, 2026
• Academic Session Ends: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Understanding UNICAL's Semester Structure

Each semester at UNICAL follows a standardized 16-week structure:

• 12 weeks of lectures: Regular classroom instruction and coursework
• 4 weeks of examinations: Revision period and formal assessments

This structured approach ensures adequate time for both learning and proper examination preparation.

Important Planning Tips for UNICAL Students

For New Students (Freshers):

1. Arrive early: Be on campus by September 22 for screening and registration
2. Attend orientation: The October 9-10 orientation is crucial for understanding university procedures
3. Prepare for matriculation: December 5 is your official induction into the university
4. Budget accordingly: Plan finances for the full semester duration

For Returning Students:

1. Mark your return date: September 23 is when returning students should be back on campus
2. Clear outstanding fees early: Avoid registration delays by settling financial obligations before resumption
3. Plan for the convocation: If you're graduating, the 38th convocation runs March 23-28, 2026
4. Schedule work commitments carefully: Note the examination periods to avoid conflicts

What Makes This Calendar Important

Having the full academic calendar in advance allows students to:

• Book affordable travel tickets for resumption and holidays
• Plan part-time work or internships around academic commitments
• Coordinate with family for important events like matriculation and convocation
• Prepare mentally and financially for each semester phase
• Avoid last-minute rushes that often lead to missed deadlines

Stay Updated

While this calendar provides the official timeline, students should:

• Check the UNICAL official website regularly for any updates or changes
• Follow departmental notice boards for course-specific schedules
• Join official UNICAL student communication channels
• Contact the academic affairs office with any questions about specific dates

The university administration reserves the right to make adjustments to this calendar if necessary, so stay connected to official information sources throughout the session.

For the most current information, visit the University of Calabar official website or contact the Office of Academic Affairs.