Parents across Nigeria are adjusting their schedules as schools in different states prepare for first-term mid-term breaks, examinations and other academic activities for the 2026/2027 school year.
Unlike a single nationwide school calendar, the dates supplied for this period differ from state to state. These differences can affect family budgets, transport arrangements, childcare and plans for parents with children attending schools in different locations.
Anambra, Niger, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos States have different dates for school activities between October and early November 2026. Parents should therefore pay attention to their children’s school calendars before making travel or spending decisions.
Anambra State Mid-Term Break Begins on October 19
Public and private primary and secondary schools in Anambra State are scheduled to begin their mid-term break on Monday, October 19, 2026.
The break is expected to run through Friday, October 23, with schools resuming on Monday, October 26, 2026.
This gives pupils a full week away from regular classroom activities when the weekend is included. Parents can use the period to organise family activities, allow children to rest and prepare for the remainder of the first term.
The supplied information also says the Anambra State Ministry of Education has reminded school proprietors that the break is intended for rest and should not be used to organise extra holiday classes that attract additional levies.
Parents should confirm how this directive applies to their children’s schools and report any concerns through the appropriate school or education authority.
Niger State Schools to Conduct Mid-Term Tests
The schedule in Niger State is different. Rather than a full school closure, pupils are expected to take mid-term tests from Monday, October 26, to Friday, October 30, 2026.
This means school activities will continue during the period, with examinations taking place as part of the academic programme.
Parents should help their children prepare for the tests, confirm the examination timetable and ensure that transport and other school arrangements remain in place.
Oyo and Ogun States Schedule a Two-Day Break
Schools in Oyo and Ogun States are listed as closing for a two-day break on Thursday, October 29, and Friday, October 30, 2026.
Although the break is shorter than the one scheduled for Anambra State, it may still affect parents who need to arrange childcare or make travel plans.
Families with children in different states should avoid assuming that all schools will close or resume on the same dates.
Lagos State Parents Should Note the Early November Calendar
The supplied schedule for Lagos State public primary and secondary schools lists the next term as beginning on Monday, November 2, and ending on Friday, November 6, 2026.
These dates should be confirmed against the official Lagos State school calendar because they refer to a term schedule rather than a clearly specified mid-term break. Parents should also check whether the dates apply to their particular school and academic programme.
School administrators in Lagos are reported to have advised parents to clear pending school fees before the November break. Families should contact their schools directly to confirm payment deadlines and any applicable requirements.
Rising School Fees Add to Parents’ Concerns
The differences in school calendars come at a time when many families are dealing with higher education costs.
The supplied information reports that private school fees have increased by between 30 and 40 per cent in many urban centres this term.
For example, one secondary school in Ipaja, Lagos, reportedly increased its fees from ₦86,000 to ₦124,000 per term. Another school in Egbeda raised its fees from ₦250,000 to ₦320,000.
The information also states that some parents in Lagos public schools without tax clearance certificates pay ₦20,100 in levies, compared with ₦10,100 previously. These figures and the applicable rules should be confirmed with the relevant authorities before publication.
Some parents pay school fees in instalments, but others face strict payment policies, including the reported practice of “no payment, no entry.” This can make planning particularly difficult for households already dealing with higher food and transport costs.
How Parents Can Prepare for the School Break
Parents can reduce last-minute pressure by taking a few practical steps:
- Confirm the dates: Contact the school to verify the closing, examination and resumption dates.
- Check school communication channels: Monitor official school WhatsApp groups and state Ministry of Education announcements.
- Plan transport early: Families with boarding students should confirm travel arrangements before the break.
- Budget for school expenses: Set aside money for outstanding fees, uniforms, books and transport.
- Avoid unnecessary spending: Shopping for uniforms and school supplies before the usual resumption rush may help families manage costs.
Private schools may have calendars that differ slightly from those of public schools. Parents should therefore rely on confirmation from their child’s school rather than assuming that every institution follows the same schedule.
The October and November 2026 school calendar requires careful planning from parents across Nigeria. Anambra State has a week-long break listed for October 19 to 23, Niger State has mid-term tests from October 26 to 30, and Oyo and Ogun States have a two-day break listed for October 29 and 30.
Lagos parents should also verify the supplied early-November term dates and any fee deadlines directly with their schools.
Confirming dates early can help families organise childcare, transport and school expenses without unnecessary last-minute stress.
