NIGERIA, UYO – The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education has announced that public and private schools across the state will close for the first term of the 2025/2026 academic session on Friday, 12 December 2025, following official directives issued on Tuesday.
According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Lady Rose N. Bassey, the ministry said the Christmas holiday would run from Monday, 15 December 2025, to Friday, 2 January 2026, and all schools must comply without deviation.
The ministry also disclosed that academic activities for the second term would resume on Monday, 5 January 2026, stressing that strict adherence to the calendar reflects the state’s commitment to stable learning schedules and ethical management of public institutions.
Bassey said the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, wished pupils and students “a restful holiday, a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance,” urging school administrators to uphold planning discipline throughout the festive period.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, has directed all Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) and HND II students who have defended their projects to submit their work to the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) for mandatory clearance beginning Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
In a circular issued by the Office of the Registrar and signed by Deputy Registrar (Students’ Affairs), Nathaniel Ibanga, the institution stated that no student would gain access to the NYSC orientation camp without proof of NERD clearance.
Ibanga said the decision followed national compliance standards requiring higher institutions to upload and validate academic research, explaining that the process protects intellectual integrity and prevents manipulation of academic records by students seeking mobilization.
The registrar’s office noted that registering with NERD strengthens accountability and aligns with federal directives aimed at curbing fraudulent project submissions, document alteration, and other unethical practices associated with NYSC mobilization procedures.
According to the circular, “all affected students are advised in their own interest to register their project with NERD,” a message that underscores the institution’s insistence on transparency and responsible conduct within academic communities.
The polytechnic further clarified that the move forms part of broader emerging efforts nationwide to improve documentation standards and deter sharp practices among graduating students, particularly those attempting to evade scrutiny before NYSC deployment.
Stakeholders in the education sector view both announcements as part of ongoing reforms intended to reinforce compliance, streamline operations, and encourage a culture of ethical behaviour in schools and tertiary institutions across Akwa Ibom State.
Education analysts also argue that aligning school calendars and enforcing standardized clearance procedures support long-term planning for families, administrators, and national service agencies, ensuring that no group gains unfair advantage through non-compliance.
Both the Ministry of Education and Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic assured the public that their directives would be fully implemented, while appealing to students and parents to follow official channels for verification, updates, or further clarification.