… As Education Stakeholders Converge for Final Review of Y2025/2026 Academic Calendar
Following the adoption of a Harmonised Academic Calendar by key stakeholders in the education sector in Lagos State on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, has expressed optimism that an approved academic calendar will be ready in two weeks.
He made this known while speaking at the final stakeholders’ meeting on the Y2025/2026 Harmonised Academic Calendar, held at the Education Resource Centre (ERC) in Ojodu on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
The meeting, convened by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), marked the final stage in the process of harmonising the academic calendar for the 2025/2026 school year, pending the official release by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
While appreciating stakeholders for their dedication and collaboration with the state government in improving education standards, the Commissioner emphasised the need for continued synergy and mutual understanding.
Alli-Balogun reiterated his strong support for teachers’ welfare and the importance of maintaining a compulsory two-month third term break as part of the new academic calendar.
“Our teachers need to rest, plan, re-strategise, and spend quality time with their families. The long break at the end of the third term is designed for this purpose. Unfortunately, school activities often encroach on this break, and this must be discouraged,” the Commissioner explained.
He urged stakeholders to make deliberate, thoughtful decisions when finalising the calendar, aligning with the present administration’s vision for a robust education sector.
“The essence of the academic calendar is to ensure the accurate number of instructional days to support effective teaching and learning outcomes. It also helps in identifying and accommodating necessary holidays to avoid disruptions,” he added.
The Director of General Services, Basic Education Services (BES) Department, Mrs. Bosede Adumasi, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to education under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus agenda.
She recalled that a preliminary meeting had been held in March, emphasising the importance of a standard academic calendar for proper organisation, effective planning, clear communication, and accountability across all schools.
Dokunmu-Adegbite urged participants to remain guided by the overarching goal: adopting a unified calendar that reflects a shared vision for excellence in education throughout Lagos State.
In his opening remarks, the Coordinating Director of OEQA, Mr. Remi Abdul, stated that the harmonised academic calendar reinforces the Sanwo-Olu administration’s vision of a well-structured learning environment. He noted the meeting held special significance as it marked his final engagement with stakeholders before retirement.
Abdul explained that the goal was to harmonise the two calendar options, developed during the March 2025 preliminary meeting, into a single, inclusive, and policy-compliant academic calendar.
He commended stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in creating a final proposal that considers the realities of public and private schools, accommodates national and international examinations, religious holidays, and curriculum goals.
“This session underscored Lagos State’s inclusive and forward-thinking approach to educational planning. Let us speak openly, listen deeply, and decide wisely—for posterity,” he urged.
While a tentative calendar has been proposed to the government, Mr. Abdul cautioned that it remains unofficial until approved by the Commissioner and publicly released by the Ministry.
“Do not publicise the proposal yet. It must still undergo evaluation before final approval. Until then, we do not have an official calendar for the new session,” he clarified.
Also speaking, OEQA’s Director of Planning, Mr. Hakeem Idowu, reinforced the state’s commitment to participatory education governance. He noted the importance of considering national exam schedules, public holidays, and the interests of both public and international schools in the final plan.
He expressed confidence in the stakeholders’ expertise to deliver a calendar that reflects the shared vision of educational excellence in Lagos State.
On her part, OEQA’s Director of Research, Mrs. Evelyn Pelemo, commended the Honourable Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary for their continued leadership. She also appreciated stakeholder associations including ANCOPSS, NUT, NAPPS, LEAMSP, AFED, and AISEN, urging them to approach implementation with renewed purpose.
Earlier, Mr. David Ojelade, Assistant Director of Planning (OEQA), gave a detailed presentation on the preliminary plenary outcomes, calendar options, and critiques.
He explained that the two proposed options had been developed with key considerations such as statutory holidays and compulsory mid-term breaks in mind.
There were goodwill messages given by representatives of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, ANCOPSS, Lagos State Branch, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT and Conference of Private Schools Associations in Lagos (COPSAIL).
