Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, in affiliation with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has officially unveiled its approved academic calendar for the 2025/2026 academic session. This announcement brings clarity and direction to students, staff, and parents who have been eagerly waiting to know how the new academic year will run. The calendar serves as a guide that shows all the important activities that will take place during the first semester, including registration, lectures, examinations, and breaks. It also helps everyone to plan properly and avoid confusion.

The academic calendar was released by the Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, which is headed by Dr. Tunde Gabriel. This office is responsible for ensuring that academic activities are well organized and that the school runs smoothly. By publishing the calendar early, the college has shown its commitment to proper planning and quality education.

The first semester of the 2025/2026 academic session is scheduled to begin on Sunday, 11th January 2026, which is the official resumption date for all students. This means that students are expected to return to campus on that day, settle into their hostels or accommodations, and prepare for the registration and academic activities ahead. Resumption day is very important because it marks the beginning of a new academic journey for the session.

After resumption, the next major activity is registration, which will take place from 12th January to 31st January 2026, lasting for two weeks. During this period, all students are expected to complete their registration formalities. Registration usually involves confirming personal details, paying necessary fees, registering courses, and completing other administrative processes required by the school. It is very important for students to complete their registration within this time because failure to do so can lead to serious problems such as late registration penalties or being unable to participate in academic activities.

Registration is not just a formality; it shows that a student is officially recognized by the institution for that academic session. It allows students to attend lectures, write examinations, and enjoy other school services. Students are therefore advised to prepare all necessary documents and payments early so that they can complete their registration without stress.

Lectures for the first semester will begin shortly after registration and will run from 18th January to 25th April 2026, lasting for a total of fifteen weeks. This is the period when students will be actively involved in teaching and learning. They will attend classes, listen to lecturers, take notes, do assignments, participate in group work, and prepare for examinations. Lectures form the core of academic life, and students are expected to attend them regularly.

Regular attendance in lectures helps students understand their courses better. It also allows them to ask questions, interact with lecturers, and gain deeper knowledge of their subjects. Students who attend lectures consistently usually perform better in examinations because they are more familiar with the course content.

For students in 400 Level under ATBU, the calendar includes a special activity known as Teaching Practice, which will run from 18th January to 18th April 2026, lasting fourteen weeks. Teaching Practice is an important part of teacher education. It allows students to go to secondary schools and practice teaching in real classroom situations. During this period, student-teachers are supervised and assessed on how well they can teach, manage classrooms, and communicate with students.

Teaching Practice helps future teachers gain confidence and experience. It prepares them for their professional careers and helps them understand the challenges and responsibilities of teaching. It is a very important stage in their training because it combines theory with real-life practice.

After the lecture period, the next major activity is the First Semester Examinations, which are scheduled to take place from 27th April to 16th May 2026, lasting three weeks. This is the time when students will write tests to show what they have learned during the semester. Examinations are very important because they help measure students’ understanding of their courses and determine their academic performance.

Students are encouraged to prepare well for their examinations by studying their notes, revising past questions, and attending revision classes if available. Proper preparation helps reduce fear and anxiety during exams. It also increases the chances of success.

Once examinations are completed, students will go on a First Semester Break from 18th May to 7th June 2026, lasting three weeks. This break gives students time to rest and recover from the stress of academic activities. It is also a time for reflection and personal development. Some students may use the break to learn new skills, help their families, or prepare for the next semester.

At the same time, students in 300 Level under ATBU will participate in SWEP (Students’ Work Experience Programme) from 18th May to 7th June 2026, also lasting three weeks. SWEP is designed to expose students to practical work experiences related to their field of study. It helps them understand how their classroom knowledge can be applied in real-life situations.

SWEP is very beneficial because it builds students’ confidence and improves their employability. It also helps them develop important skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.

After examinations, there are important post-examination activities that take place behind the scenes. These include the marking of scripts, moderation of results, and compilation of students’ scores. These processes ensure that all results are accurate and fair. Lecturers carefully mark students’ scripts, check for errors, and ensure that marks are properly recorded.

The calendar shows that the School Board of Studies meetings will take place from 9th to 13th June 2026. During these meetings, academic staff review students’ results and discuss any issues related to academic performance. This is an important step before results are finalized and approved.

The date for the Senate meeting is marked as To Be Determined (TBD). The Senate is the highest academic body in the institution. It is responsible for approving results and making major academic decisions. Once the Senate meeting date is fixed, students will be informed.

This academic calendar is very helpful because it allows everyone to plan ahead. Students can know when to resume, when to register, when lectures will start, and when examinations will take place. Parents and guardians can also use the calendar to plan financially and emotionally for their children’s academic needs.

The Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, has once again shown its commitment to quality education by releasing this calendar in good time. A well-planned academic calendar helps reduce confusion and promotes discipline among students and staff.

Students are strongly advised to take note of all the dates and prepare themselves accordingly. They should plan their travel, accommodation, and finances in advance so that they can resume on time. Late resumption or late registration can affect their academic progress.

The college environment thrives on order and proper planning. When students follow the academic calendar strictly, academic activities run smoothly. It also shows respect for the institution and its rules.

In conclusion, the 2025/2026 academic calendar of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, provides a clear roadmap for the first semester. From resumption on Sunday, 11th January 2026, to registration, lectures, teaching practice, examinations, breaks, SWEP, and post-examination processes, every activity has been carefully planned. Students are encouraged to stay focused, be disciplined, and make the best use of the opportunities provided during the session.

This new academic session is a fresh chance for students to improve themselves academically and personally. With dedication, hard work, and proper planning, they can achieve success and move closer to their dreams.