The School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi has released the approved academic calendar for the 2025/2026 academic session. The calendar sets dates for registration, lectures, examinations, marking, committee meetings, breaks, and vacation periods for postgraduate students.
This detailed article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the ATBU postgraduate academic calendar 2025/2026, including expected resumption dates, registration periods, lectures, examinations, project timelines, and key postgraduate activities.
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, is a federal university established to promote technological advancement, innovation, and research-driven education. ATBU offers a wide range of postgraduate programmes, including:
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
- Master’s degrees (M.Sc, M.Eng, M.Tech, M.Ed, MBA, etc.)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The university’s postgraduate school operates under a structured academic calendar that guides all academic and administrative activities throughout the session.
What Is the ATBU Postgraduate Academic Calendar?
The ATBU postgraduate academic calendar is an official document released by the university that outlines:
- Resumption dates
- Course registration periods
- Lecture schedules
- Examination timelines
- Research and project milestones
- Semester breaks
It serves as a roadmap for postgraduate students to plan their academic activities efficiently and avoid missing critical deadlines.
Overview of ATBU Postgraduate Programmes
ATBU postgraduate programmes are structured to accommodate both coursework-based and research-based degrees.
Categories of Postgraduate Students
- PGD students
- Master’s students (Full-Time & Part-Time)
- PhD candidates
Each category follows the same academic calendar framework, with variations in duration and research timelines.
ATBU Postgraduate Academic Calendar 2025/2026 (Expected Structure)
While the official calendar is released by the university senate, the 2025/2026 ATBU postgraduate academic calendar is expected to follow a similar structure to previous sessions.
Where the calendar lists both dates and a duration, both are shown as stated (even where the two do not match exactly).
First semester 2025/2026
Registration
- First semester registration: 5 January 2026 to 31 January 2026
- Duration stated: 3 weeks
Lectures
- Lectures: 12 January 2026 to 31 March 2026
- Duration stated: 11 weeks
Examinations and marking
- First semester examinations: 8 April 2026 to 6 May 2026
- Duration stated: 4 weeks
- Marking: 29 April 2026 to 26 May 2026
- Duration stated: 4 weeks
Meetings and approvals
- Departmental / Faculty PG Committee meetings: 1 June 2026 to 2 June 2026
- Duration stated: 5 days
- PG Board meeting: 2 June 2026 to 3 June 2026
- Duration stated: 2 days
- Senate Business Committee meeting: 5 June 2026 to 9 June 2026
- Duration stated: 1 day
- Senate Examination meeting: 15 June 2026
- Duration stated: 1 day
Break
- Inter-semester break (all students): 7 May 2026 to 22 June 2026
- Duration stated: 6 weeks
Second semester 2025/2026
Resumption and registration
- Resumption / registration for all students: 22 June 2026 to 26 June 2026
- Duration stated: 5 days
Lectures
- Lectures: 23 June 2026 to 11 September 2026
- Duration stated: 12 weeks
Examinations and marking
- Second semester examinations: 14 September 2026 to 12 October 2026
- Duration stated: 4 weeks
- Marking: 5 October 2026 to 2 November 2026
- Duration stated: 4 weeks
Meetings and approvals
- Departmental and Faculty PG Committee meeting: 3 November 2026 to 6 November 2026
- Duration stated: 4 days
- PG Board meeting: 9 November 2026 to 10 November 2026
- Duration stated: 2 days
- Senate Business Committee meetings: 11 November 2026 to 12 November 2026
- Duration stated: 2 days
- Senate Examinations meeting: 16 November 2026
- Duration stated: 1 day
Vacation and staff leave
- Vacation for all students: 13 October 2026 to 29 December 2026
- Duration stated: 11 weeks
- Annual leave for academic staff: 17 November 2026 to 29 December 2026
- Duration stated: 6 weeks
Start of the next session and continuing training note
- Commencement of 2026/2027 session: 30 December 2026
The calendar also notes that scheduled PG-ICT short training is offered throughout the academic session.
Important Tips for ATBU Postgraduate Students
- Complete registration early
- Attend all lectures and seminars
- Monitor departmental announcements
- Meet research supervisors regularly
- Keep copies of receipts and forms
Effective time management is key to postgraduate success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the postgraduate academic calendar the same for all programmes?
Yes, but research timelines may vary by department.
Can the academic calendar change?
Yes. Changes may occur due to senate decisions or unforeseen circumstances.
What happens if I miss registration?
Late registration penalties may apply, or registration may be denied.
Is attendance compulsory for postgraduate lectures?
Yes. Attendance is required for eligibility to sit for examinations.
Conclusion
The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Postgraduate Academic Calendar 2025/2026 serves as a vital guide for postgraduate students navigating coursework, research, and examinations. By understanding the calendar structure and complying with all academic timelines, students can enjoy a smooth and productive academic session. All postgraduate students are encouraged to stay updated through official ATBU channels and plan their academic activities proactively for success.