View the official NOUN Academic Calendar for the 2026 academic session. See first and second semester schedules, registration dates, exams, TMAs, SIWES, project defence, and result release timelines.
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has officially approved the 2026 Academic Calendar covering both First and Second Semesters. This calendar outlines all critical academic activities, including admissions, course registration, facilitation, TMAs, examinations, SIWES, project submissions, virtual defence, convocation, and result release dates.
Understanding the NOUN academic calendar is crucial for effective academic planning, especially for students juggling work, family, and studies. This post provides a clean, structured, and student-friendly breakdown of the entire 2026 academic session, exactly as approved by NOUN.
NOUN Academic Calendar 2026 Overview (Key Details)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Session | 2026 (First & Second Semester) |
| Institution | National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) |
| Structure | ODL (Open & Distance Learning) |
| Exam Modes | Pen-on-Paper & E-Examinations |
| PAS Coverage | Projects, Seminars & Continuous Submissions |
| Result Release | June & November 2026 |
NOUN 2026 First Semester Academic Calendar
January 2026
| Activity | Duration | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Admission | Year-long | 1 January – 31 December 2026 |
| Completion of 2025.1 Virtual Defence/Moderation | 2 Weeks | 5 – 30 January 2026 |
| Registration of Courses & Exams (2026.1) | 11 Weeks | 5 January – 22 March 2026 |
| Opening of PAS for 2025.2 Projects & Seminars | 5 Weeks | 5 January – 7 February 2026 |
February 2026
| Activity | Duration | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Facilitation of Courses Begins | 8 Weeks | 2 February – 5 April 2026 |
| First Batch of 2025.2 Virtual Defence | — | 9 – 28 February 2026 |
| Academic Policy Committee Meeting | — | 24 – 25 February 2026 |
| Award of Honorary Degrees Meeting | — | 26 February 2026 |
| Inaugural Lecture | — | 26 February 2026 |
March 2026
| Activity | Duration | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1st TMA | 2 Weeks | 2 – 15 March 2026 |
| 2nd TMA | 2 Weeks | 16 – 29 March 2026 |
| Opening of PAS (Continuous Submission – 2025.2) | — | From 14 March 2026 |
| Second Batch of 2025.2 Virtual Defence | 2 Weeks | 14 – 31 March 2026 |
| Eid-el-Fitr Holiday | — | 20 – 21 March 2026 |
| SIWES | 2 Weeks | 23 March – Early April 2026 |
April 2026
| Activity | Dates |
|---|---|
| Good Friday | 3 April 2026 |
| Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 |
| Orientation Programme | 7 – 8 April 2026 |
| 2026 Convocation Ceremony | 17 – 18 April 2026 |
| 2026.1 Pen-on-Paper Examination | 21 April – 14 May 2026 (21 Days) |
May – June 2026
| Activity | Duration | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Workers’ Day | — | 1 May 2026 |
| 2026.1 E-Examination & Marking | 21 Days | 19 May – 13 June 2026 |
| Eid-el-Kabir | — | 27 – 28 May 2026 |
| Opening of PAS (2026.1 Projects) | — | 1 – 20 June 2026 |
| First Batch of 2026.1 Virtual Defence | — | 1 – 20 June 2026 |
| Democracy Day | — | 12 June 2026 |
| Release of 2026.1 Results | — | 30 June 2026 |
NOUN 2026 Second Semester Academic Calendar
June – July 2026
| Activity | Duration | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Course & Exam Registration (2026.2) | 11 Weeks | 22 June – 5 October 2026 |
| Facilitation Commences | 8 Weeks | 13 July – 6 September 2026 |
| 1st TMA | 2 Weeks | 27 July – 9 August 2026 |
August 2026
| Activity | Duration | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| PAS Continuous Submission (2026.1) | — | From 1 August 2026 |
| Second Batch of 2026.1 Virtual Defence | 2 Weeks | 1 – 15 August 2026 |
| 2nd TMA | 2 Weeks | 10 – 23 August 2026 |
| SIWES | 2 Weeks | 24 August – 4 September 2026 |
| Eid-el-Maulud | — | 26 August 2026 |
September 2026
| Activity | Dates |
|---|---|
| Orientation Programme | Early September 2026 |
| Matriculation Ceremony | 9 September 2026 |
| 2026.2 Pen-on-Paper Examination | 15 September – 9 October 2026 |
| Operational Meeting | 22 September 2026 |
October – November 2026
| Activity | Duration | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| National Day | — | 1 October 2026 |
| PAS for 2026.2 Projects | 3 Weeks | 5 – 24 October 2026 |
| First Batch of 2026.2 Virtual Defence | — | 5 – 24 October 2026 |
| 2026.2 E-Examination & Marking | 21 Days | 13 October – 5 November 2026 |
| Release of 2026.2 Results | — | 26 November 2026 |
December 2026
| Activity | Duration | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous PAS Submission (2026.2) | 5 Weeks | 27 December 2026 – 31 January 2027 |
Key Takeaways – NOUN 2026 Academic Calendar
- Admissions remain open all year (January–December 2026)
- First Semester exams hold April–May 2026
- Second Semester exams hold September–October 2026
- Results are released June & November 2026
- PAS portal covers projects, seminars, SIWES, and virtual defence
- Both Pen-on-Paper and E-Exams will be used
Conclusion
The NOUN 2026 Academic Calendar provides a clear roadmap for all students, whether undergraduate or postgraduate. Staying informed about registration deadlines, exams, TMAs, project defence schedules, and result release dates will help you avoid mistakes that could delay graduation.
Students are strongly advised to bookmark this calendar, plan ahead, and regularly check official NOUN platforms for minor adjustments.
FAQs About NOUN Academic Calendar 2026
Yes. It is officially approved by the university.
Yes. Admission runs from January to December 2026.
Results will be released on 30 June 2026.
Yes. NOUN uses both Pen-on-Paper and E-Examination formats.
Yes, for eligible programmes as scheduled.
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