In a landmark administrative development, the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), has officially released its comprehensive academic calendar for the 2025/2026 session. This follows the first statutory meeting of the University Senate held on Wednesday, 4th February 2026. The approval comes after a thorough evaluative process where the Senate reviewed reports from the University Management, Faculty Deans, and various Directors regarding the institution’s state of readiness.

The release of this calendar is more than just a list of dates; it is a blueprint for the university’s operational year, ensuring that academic standards are met through a structured and time-bound approach. As a specialized institution focused on the critical sectors of agriculture and technology, FUNATO’s schedule reflects an intensive commitment to research, practical learning, and administrative efficiency.

The 2025/2026 Academic Cycle: A Detailed Breakdown

The Senate has approved a fast-paced but balanced session designed to maximize student learning while ensuring that the university remains aligned with the national academic cycle.

The First Semester Phase

The 2025/2026 academic journey officially begins on Friday, 6th March 2026. The first five days (March 6th to March 10th) are dedicated to registration, a crucial period where students finalize their course selections and financial obligations. This is followed immediately by a nine-day Orientation Programme for Fresh Students (March 11th to March 19th), designed to integrate new intakes into the university’s culture and specialized agricultural curriculum.

Formal lectures for the first semester are slated to commence on Monday, 23rd March 2026. One month into the lectures, on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026, the university will hold its Matriculation Ceremony, formally inducting new students into the academic community. The lecture period will span approximately fourteen weeks, concluding on Friday, 26th June 2026. Following a short revision window, examinations will commence on Monday, 6th July and wrap up on Friday, 17th July 2026.

The Second Semester Phase

After the Senate’s deliberation and approval of the first-semester results, the second semester will kick off on Monday, 3rd August 2026. This semester follows a similar rigorous structure, with lectures running until Friday, 23rd October 2026. The final examination period for the session is scheduled from Monday, 2nd November to Friday, 13th November 2026.

The academic year officially draws to a close on Monday, 30th November 2026, providing a brief two-week hiatus before the anticipated commencement of the 2026/2027 session on Monday, 14th December 2026. This tight turnaround demonstrates FUNATO’s commitment to eliminating “dead time” in the academic calendar, a move highly beneficial for students aiming for timely graduation.

Administrative Prerequisites: Matriculation Numbers and Fees

A key highlight of the Senate’s directive concerns the allocation of Matriculation Numbers. The university has adopted a strict “payment-first” policy to streamline student data management. Matriculation numbers, which serve as the permanent identity for students throughout their stay at FUNATO, will be allocated only to prospective students who have settled their Acceptance Fees.

This administrative gatekeeping is essential for the security and integrity of the student database. Once a matriculation number is assigned, students gain full access to the internal portal, enabling them to proceed with the payment of tuition fees and the digital registration of courses. Management emphasizes that a student is only considered “full-fledged” once these steps are completed.

The FUNATO Housing Strategy: Public-Private Partnership (PPP)

One of the most pressing challenges for new universities is student housing. FUNATO has addressed this through a specialized Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for hostel accommodation. Unlike traditional models that may struggle with maintenance and capacity, this PPP model leverages community-based resources under university regulation.

Key Features of the Housing Model:

• Proximity: Hostels are located within the immediate communities surrounding the university campus, ensuring students remain close to lecture halls and research farms.

• Regulation: Although privately owned, these facilities are “properly secured and regulated” by the University. This means the institution sets standards for safety, sanitation, and student conduct within these halls.

• Affordability: The university has negotiated “reasonable rental rates” to protect students from exploitation by local landlords.

Details regarding the specific application process for these hostels will be released shortly by the Student Affairs Division. This model not only solves the housing deficit but also fosters a healthy town-gown relationship between the university and the Okeho community.

Admissions and the JAMB Window

For those who have not yet secured their place at the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, the door remains partially open. The university has confirmed that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) portal is still open for “Change of Institution” applications.

Prospective candidates are advised to act quickly. Before applying, it is mandatory to verify that your UTME and O’Level subject combinations match the university’s specific requirements for agricultural and technological disciplines. Following the change of institution on the JAMB portal, candidates must complete the online screening process on the official FUNATO website.

A Vision for Agricultural and Technological Leadership

The meticulous planning of the 2025/2026 academic calendar is a reflection of FUNATO’s broader vision. As an institution mandated to drive innovation in agriculture and technology, the university cannot afford the luxury of prolonged strikes or administrative delays. The Registrar and Secretary to the Senate, AMUNI Mohammed Olayinka, highlighted that the Senate’s decision was based on a collective desire to provide a “smooth, successful, and rewarding academic journey.”

By integrating orientation, matriculation, and intensive lecture blocks, FUNATO is preparing its students for the high-pressure environment of the modern tech and agri-business sectors. The focus on PPP housing and digital registration systems further positions the university as a forward-thinking 21st-century institution.

Summary of Important Dates for the 2025/2026 Session

Final Guidance for Prospective Students

As the March 6th resumption date approaches, all admitted students should ensure their documents are in order. The path to becoming a student at FUNATO involves a clear sequence:

1. Acceptance Fee Payment: This triggers the allocation of your Matriculation Number.

2. Portal Registration: Use your new number to pay school fees and register for courses.

3. Physical Presence: Arrive on campus by March 6th to participate in the registration and subsequent orientation.

4. Housing: Monitor the university website for the “soon-to-be-communicated” hostel application procedures.

The Vice-Chancellor and the University Senate have extended their congratulations to all successful applicants. The university is set to provide an environment where agricultural wisdom meets technological innovation, and it all begins on the 6th of March