The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has officially announced the resumption schedule for the 2025/2026 Academic Session, bringing clarity and direction to staff, students, parents, and the entire university community. This announcement marks the beginning of another important academic journey for one of Nigeria’s most respected institutions of higher learning, especially known for its resilience, academic excellence, and contribution to peace and development in the North-East region.

The resumption schedule was made public through a circular issued from the Office of the Registrar and signed by Mrs. Zara Umar Ibrahim, Deputy Registrar (Directorate of Senate and Academic Matters). According to the circular, the decision was approved by the University Senate at its 321st meeting held on Thursday, November 13, 2025. This shows that the resumption plan was not a sudden decision but a well-considered one that followed proper academic and administrative procedures.

The university is set to reopen officially for the new academic session on Thursday, January 15, 2026. This date marks the return of academic and administrative activities on campus and signals the start of registration processes, preparation for lectures, and the general revival of campus life after the break.

For new students, registration begins immediately on January 15, 2026, the same day the university reopens. This is a very important stage for newly admitted students because it is through registration that they formally become bonafide students of the University of Maiduguri. Registration confirms their admission, assigns them matriculation numbers, and grants them access to academic and campus facilities.

For returning students, registration is scheduled to commence on Monday, January 26, 2026. This gives continuing students a short window after the reopening date to return to campus, settle in, and prepare their documents and payments before beginning their registration process.

Academic activities for all students, including both new and returning students, will officially begin on Monday, February 2, 2026. This means lectures, practicals, and other academic engagements will start on this date across all faculties and departments.

The management of the university also extended its best wishes to all staff and students for a successful and productive academic session. This goodwill message reflects the institution’s commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and encouraging everyone to approach the new session with dedication, discipline, and enthusiasm.

Resumption schedules are extremely important in any academic institution because they provide a structured timeline that guides all academic and administrative activities. Without a clear schedule, students and staff would be left confused about when to return, when to register, and when lectures would begin. UNIMAID’s clear breakdown of dates shows the university’s commitment to organization and transparency.

The reopening date of Thursday, January 15, 2026, is particularly significant. It gives students enough time after the New Year celebrations to prepare for the academic session. It also allows staff to resume their duties and ensure that all necessary arrangements, such as office readiness, hostel preparation, and academic planning, are completed before full academic activities commence.

For new students, starting registration on the same day as resumption is a strategic move. It encourages them to report to campus early and begin their integration into university life. Registration usually involves several stages such as:

• Verification of admission documents

• Payment of acceptance and school fees

• Medical screening

• Course registration

• Collection of matriculation numbers

• Hostel allocation (where applicable)

These steps are crucial because they help the university build a proper record of its students and ensure that only duly admitted candidates are allowed to participate in academic activities.

New students are advised to come along with all necessary documents, such as:

• Admission letter

• JAMB result slip

• O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB)

• Birth certificate or declaration of age

• Local government identification

• Passport photographs

Having these documents ready will make the registration process smooth and stress-free.

For returning students, the registration start date of Monday, January 26, 2026, gives them about eleven days after resumption to return to campus and prepare. This gap is useful because it helps to reduce congestion at registration centers and allows the university to first attend to new students, who usually require more guidance and support.

Returning students are expected to complete their registration within the stipulated period to avoid penalties such as late registration fees or restriction from academic activities. Registration confirms their continuation in the university and allows them to participate fully in lectures, tests, and examinations.

The start of lectures on Monday, February 2, 2026, shows that the university has allowed a reasonable time frame between resumption and full academic activities. This period is important for:

• Completing registration

• Finalizing course allocations

• Resolving administrative issues

• Orientation of new students

• Preparation of lecture schedules

By the time lectures begin, students and staff are expected to be fully settled and ready for academic work.

UNIMAID has always been known for maintaining a structured academic calendar despite challenges. The university operates in a region that has faced security and social difficulties in the past, yet it has continued to thrive and maintain academic standards. This new resumption schedule once again reflects the institution’s stability and commitment to education.

The role of the University Senate in approving the resumption schedule is also worth highlighting. The Senate is the highest academic authority in the university and is responsible for academic policies, calendars, and standards. The fact that the decision was taken at the 321st Senate meeting shows that it went through proper deliberation and approval.

Students are strongly advised to take this announcement seriously and plan accordingly. Early preparation is key to a successful academic session. Students should:

• Make travel arrangements early

• Prepare registration fees and other necessary payments

• Organize all required documents

• Stay informed through official university platforms

Parents and guardians also have an important role to play. They should support their wards financially and emotionally and ensure they resume on time. They are also encouraged to rely only on official information from the university and avoid misinformation from social media.

The university community is expected to comply strictly with the schedule. Delays in resumption or registration could negatively affect a student’s academic progress. In many universities, students who fail to register within the stipulated period may not be allowed to sit for examinations or participate in academic activities.

The management’s message of goodwill to staff and students is a reminder that success in the academic session depends on collective effort. Staff are encouraged to resume their duties promptly and contribute positively to teaching, research, and administration. Students are expected to be disciplined, focused, and committed to their studies.

This resumption schedule also reflects UNIMAID’s broader mission of providing quality education, promoting moral discipline, and contributing to national development. By maintaining an organized academic calendar, the university ensures that teaching and learning are carried out efficiently.

In practical terms, the timeline can be summarized as follows:

• Thursday, January 15, 2026: University reopens

• Thursday, January 15, 2026: Registration begins for new students

• Monday, January 26, 2026: Registration begins for returning students

• Monday, February 2, 2026: Lectures commence for all students

This structured approach helps everyone understand their responsibilities and deadlines.

Students should also note that registration is not just a formality. It is a legal and academic requirement that confirms their status as students of the University of Maiduguri. Without completing registration, a student is not recognized by the university and cannot benefit from its academic programs.

The announcement also shows the importance of official communication channels. The circular was signed by a senior university official, Mrs. Zara Umar Ibrahim, Deputy Registrar (Directorate of Senate and Academic Matters). This adds authenticity and authority to the information and assures students that it is reliable.

In conclusion, the release of the resumption schedule for the 2025/2026 Academic Session by the University of Maiduguri is a welcome development that provides clarity and direction for all members of the university community. It demonstrates the institution’s commitment to organization, academic excellence, and student welfare.

Students, both new and returning, are encouraged to take advantage of this information to plan properly, resume early, complete their registration on time, and prepare mentally and academically for the session ahead. With cooperation, discipline, and commitment from everyone, the 2025/2026 academic session at UNIMAID is expected to be successful and productive.

If you want, I can now expand this into a full 1,500-word article in a simple, MySchool-style format with headings and subheadings.