The Management of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has officially announced a change in the resumption date for the 2025/2026 academic session, shifting the previously scheduled date of Monday, November 3, 2025, to a new date — Monday, November 17, 2025.

This decision was communicated through an official statement released after the Committee of Provosts and Deans held a crucial meeting on Friday, October 31, 2025. The management explained that the adjustment became necessary to allow the university to conclude its ongoing admission process smoothly and ensure that both old and new students enjoy a seamless start to the academic year.

Reason for the Postponement

According to the University’s management, the decision was not taken lightly. The Committee of Provosts and Deans carefully reviewed the status of ongoing admissions, departmental clearances, and other administrative preparations needed for the proper commencement of the new session.

After much deliberation, it was concluded that a two-week extension would allow adequate time for all faculties and departments to finalise admission lists, verify candidates’ documents, and ensure that every new student is properly captured in the system before lectures begin.

The management emphasized that this short delay will prevent confusion and ensure better coordination among academic and non-academic staff once the session officially begins.

New Resumption Date and What It Means for Students

The new resumption date is now set for Monday, November 17, 2025.

All students — both returning and newly admitted — are expected to take note of this adjustment and plan accordingly. By this date, lectures, registration, and other academic activities for the 2025/2026 session will officially commence across all faculties and departments.

Students who had already made travel or accommodation arrangements based on the earlier date are encouraged to adjust their plans to align with the updated schedule.

Impact on Admission and Registration

The University of Port Harcourt is currently rounding off its Post-UTME and Direct Entry admission processes for the 2025/2026 session. The extension will give the admissions office and relevant departments additional time to complete the verification and processing of applicants’ documents.

Management noted that this measure is meant to avoid the overlap between admission procedures and academic resumption, which could cause unnecessary administrative challenges. The goal, according to the University, is to ensure that all admitted students are properly cleared, assigned matriculation numbers, and fully integrated into the school’s learning structure before classes begin.

Prospective students are therefore advised to check the university’s official website and admission portal regularly for updates regarding admission lists, clearance schedules, and registration procedures.

Message to Students, Parents, and Staff

The University’s management expressed sincere regret for any inconvenience that the postponement might cause to students, parents, and guardians. However, it assured everyone that the decision was made in the best interest of the entire University community.

In the official release, the management thanked all stakeholders for their patience and understanding, adding that such proactive adjustments are sometimes necessary to maintain the institution’s high standards of academic excellence and effective service delivery.

They also appealed to students to use the two-week period wisely — either to finalise their accommodation arrangements, complete pending documentation, or prepare adequately for the upcoming session.

Commitment to Academic Excellence

UNIPORT remains one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities, known for its strong academic reputation, diverse programmes, and vibrant campus life. The institution’s decision to delay resumption, the management explained, is in line with its long-standing commitment to academic excellence, proper planning, and quality service delivery.

The University emphasized that it would rather delay the start of the session slightly than rush into resumption without adequate preparation, which could disrupt the smooth running of academic activities later in the term.

According to the statement, “The University of Port Harcourt prides itself on maintaining a structured academic calendar, and as such, every decision taken by management is aimed at ensuring that both staff and students operate in an environment conducive to teaching, learning, and research.”

Advice for Students Before Resumption

In view of the postponement, the University advised all students — especially freshers — to take advantage of the additional two weeks to prepare themselves mentally, financially, and academically. Below are a few useful recommendations:

1. Complete Registration Early: Returning students should ensure all outstanding registration or school fee payments are settled before November 17 to avoid late registration penalties.

2. Accommodation Planning: Students staying off-campus should confirm their housing arrangements and make necessary payments early to avoid last-minute rushes.

3. Course Preparation: Students are encouraged to review their previous session’s notes, read ahead for new courses, and prepare materials needed for lectures.

4. Health and Safety: The University also reminded all students to prioritise their health and adhere to campus safety regulations upon return.

5. Stay Updated: Students should keep checking the school’s official communication channels — including the UNIPORT website, social media handles, and faculty notice boards — for any further updates before resumption.

Appreciation and Assurance from Management

In closing, the University of Port Harcourt’s management once again appreciated the cooperation of students, parents, and staff during this period. The University reassured everyone that all arrangements for the smooth takeoff of the 2025/2026 academic session are in full gear.

It reaffirmed that the two-week postponement would not affect the integrity of the academic calendar, as steps are already being taken to ensure that the lost days will be effectively recovered through a well-structured timetable and efficient course scheduling.

The management’s message read in part:

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused by this adjustment and wish to assure the public that the decision was taken after careful consideration of the current academic realities. The University remains fully committed to providing an enabling environment for teaching, learning, and research in line with global standards.”

Conclusion

In summary, the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has postponed the resumption of academic activities for the 2025/2026 session to Monday, November 17, 2025. The decision was made to allow for the completion of admissions, adequate preparation, and smooth commencement of academic activities.

While the announcement may cause slight inconveniences to some students and parents, the University’s proactive approach shows its dedication to maintaining order, structure, and academic quality.

Students are encouraged to remain calm, stay informed, and prepare adequately for a productive and successful academic session ahead.