UNILAG Academic calendar 2024/2025

The UNILAG academic calendar is a yearly schedule that outlines key academic dates, including registration periods, lecture weeks, exam schedules, holidays, and breaks. It serves as a guide for both students and faculty members, ensuring that the academic year runs smoothly.

The academic year at UNILAG typically begins in September and ends in August, following the usual Nigerian academic system. However, the exact dates can vary slightly from year to year.

First Semester: September to January

1. Orientation and Registration Period (September): At the beginning of the academic year, new students are required to undergo an orientation program. This helps them familiarize themselves with the university’s culture, rules, and resources. New students also go through the registration process, which includes both online and physical steps. The orientation usually takes place within the first two weeks of the semester.
   • New Student Orientation: Early September (Exact dates vary)
   • Registration for Returning Students: Last week of September
2. Commencement of Classes (October): The first semester lectures typically commence in the first week of October. Returning students who have completed their registration are expected to attend lectures as scheduled. The semester is usually divided into weeks, with lectures taking place from Monday to Friday. The academic calendar specifies the exact duration of the semester.
   • Lecture Weeks: First week of October to mid-December
3. Mid-Semester Break (November): A mid-semester break typically takes place after the completion of the first half of the semester. This break is usually one or two weeks long and provides students with an opportunity to catch up on their studies or relax before the second half of the semester.
   • Mid-Semester Break: Early November (usually one week)
4. End of Semester Exams (December/January): The first semester concludes with final exams. These exams often take place in the last week of December or early January. The exam period is usually about two weeks long, and students are expected to take exams for all the courses they registered for during the semester.
   • Exam Period: Late December to early January (Exact dates vary)

Second Semester: February to June

1. Commencement of Second Semester (February): After the first semester exams, students get a short break before resuming classes for the second semester. The second semester typically begins in the first week of February, with students returning to campus to continue their studies.
   • Lecture Weeks: First week of February to mid-April
2. Easter Break (April): The Easter holiday is an important religious observance in Nigeria, and as such, the university often provides a break for students during this period. The break generally lasts for one week and is scheduled around the Easter weekend.
   • Easter Break: Mid-April (Exact dates vary)
3. Mid-Semester Break (April/May): Just like the first semester, the second semester also includes a mid-semester break. This break provides students with a chance to rest, reflect on their academic progress, and prepare for the upcoming assessments.
   • Mid-Semester Break: Late April or early May (Duration varies)
4. End of Semester Exams (June/July): The second semester concludes with exams, which usually take place in late June or early July. The duration of the exam period is typically two weeks, similar to the first semester.
   • Exam Period: Late June to early July

Long Vacation: July to September

1. Holiday Period (July – August): After the second-semester exams, students enter the long vacation period, which spans from July to August. During this time, there are no academic activities, and students can use this time for internships, industrial training, research, or personal projects. Some students may also choose to travel or take a break from their studies.
   • Vacation Period: July to August
2. Preparation for the New Academic Year (August): Towards the end of the vacation period, preparations for the new academic year begin. This may involve registration for the upcoming semester, finalizing course selections, or organizing other academic matters. Orientation for new students may also be held around this time.
   • New Session Preparation: Last week of August

Other Key Dates and Holidays

In addition to the regular academic terms, there are a few other important holidays and events that may affect the academic calendar. These holidays are based on national observances, and their dates may vary each year.

• Public Holidays: National public holidays, such as Independence Day (October 1) and Labour Day (May 1), may lead to campus closures or changes in the academic schedule. These holidays are typically observed by the university, and students are given time off from classes.
• National and Religious Events: The university may also close for religious observances like Eid-el-Fitr and Eid-el-Adha, depending on the Islamic calendar. The exact dates of these holidays are subject to change each year.

Exam Preparation and Results

Before exams, UNILAG often conducts revision or preparatory lectures to help students prepare. Faculty members may organize review sessions to cover important topics and provide additional guidance for students. These sessions are essential, as they offer a structured way to review course materials before the exams.

Once exams are completed, students eagerly await their results. The university typically announces exam results a few weeks after the completion of the exams, and students can access them online or through the university portal.