UNIBEN Session Calendar 25/26

UNIBEN 2025/2026 Academic Calendar: Key Dates and What to Expect

The University of Benin has officially released the academic calendar for the 2025/2026 session. Whether you are a fresh student just getting cleared or a returning student in the Faculty of Engineering, it’s time to start planning your year.

As we know, the Engineering curriculum is demanding—balancing Python scripts, circuit designs, and mechanical workshops requires staying ahead of the schedule. Here is a breakdown of the most important dates for the upcoming session.

First Semester: The Groundwork (15 Weeks)

The first semester kicks off in late 2025 and runs through early April 2026.

• Registration & Resumption: Online clearance for freshers began on November 10, 2025. Returning students are expected back in halls of residence on Sunday, November 23, with lectures officially starting the next day, Monday, November 24, 2025.
• The Christmas Break: Students will "Go Down" for the holidays from December 22, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Lectures resume immediately on January 5, 2026.
• Examination Season: For those in Engineering and other physical sciences, examinations are scheduled to begin on Monday, March 16, 2026. Don't forget that CED exams follow on March 21, and GST exams take place on March 28.
• Semester End: The first semester officially wraps up on April 2, 2026.

Second Semester: The Final Push (15 Weeks)

After a short ten-day break, the second semester hits the ground running.

• Resumption: Students return to hostels on April 12, 2026, with lectures starting on Monday, April 13.
• Revision & Exams: Second-semester lectures end on July 10, 2026. Revision week starts July 13, and the main examinations for the Faculty of Engineering begin on Monday, July 20, 2026.
• Session Close: The academic session officially ends on August 9, 2026, when students vacate the hostels for the long vacation.

Quick Tips for Engineering Students

Since the Faculty of Engineering is always among the first to start examinations (March 16 for the 1st semester and July 20 for the 2nd), time management is critical.

Register Early: Course registration closes on January 5, 2026. Ensure your courses are sorted early to avoid the last-minute rush.

Stay Consistent: With only one week of revision scheduled before exams, keeping up with your notes and lab work during the "Lectures Continue" phase (Jan – March) is vital.

Prepare for GST/CED: These exams are often scheduled on Saturdays (March 21/28 and July 25/August 8). Make sure to factor these into your study plan so they don't clash with your core departmental courses.

Summary of Key Dates (2025/2026 Session)

• 1st Semester Lectures Begin: November 24, 2025
• 1st Semester Exams (Engineering): March 16 – 20, 2026
• 2nd Semester Lectures Begin: April 13, 2026
• 2nd Semester Exams (Engineering): July 20 – 24, 2026
• End of Session: August 9, 2026

Have questions about specific dates or departmental activities? Feel free to reach out to your faculty representatives or check the official UNIBEN portal.