LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has approved and released a harmonised academic calendar for all public and private primary and secondary schools for the 2026/2027 academic session. The new timetable brings both public and private schools under a common academic schedule and is intended to improve coordination across the state's basic and secondary education system. The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, announced the approved calendar following consultations with education stakeholders coordinated by the Office of Education Quality Assurance. The consultations provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review the proposed timetable and agree on the major dates for the coming academic year. Under the approved schedule, schools are expected to resume on Monday, September 14, 2026. The first term will run through December, followed by the Christmas and New Year break. A mid-term break is also included in the calendar to provide students and teachers with a period of rest during the term. The second term is scheduled to begin in January 2027, while the third term will run from May until the end of July. The government said the harmonised calendar would provide parents, teachers and students with a predictable timetable for the academic year. Having public and private schools follow a common schedule can also make it easier for parents with children attending different types of schools to plan family activities, holidays and other commitments. The policy is particularly relevant in Lagos because of the large number of public and private schools operating across the state. Private schools have traditionally had some flexibility in setting their academic calendars, although they remain subject to education regulations and quality-assurance requirements. A unified timetable is expected to improve consistency and make coordination between schools and government authorities easier. The calendar also provides dates for examinations and other important academic activities. Schools will be expected to organise their programmes within the approved framework while maintaining the instructional requirements established by the education authorities. The government stressed the importance of proper planning as schools prepare for the new academic session. Teachers and school administrators can use the timetable to organise lesson plans, assessments, staff activities and other academic responsibilities ahead of resumption. Parents can similarly prepare for school fees, uniforms, books, transportation and other requirements before the beginning of the session. The decision comes as education authorities across Nigeria continue to focus on improving learning outcomes and strengthening school administration. A predictable academic calendar is one part of effective education management because it helps schools plan instructional time and ensures that students receive adequate teaching throughout the year. The number of instructional days is also important. Schools need sufficient classroom time to cover the curriculum while allowing reasonable periods for holidays and teacher development. The Lagos calendar allocates a defined number of school days across the three terms, providing a framework for schools to organise their academic programmes. Stakeholder consultation was also an important part of the process. Education policies are more likely to be implemented effectively when school owners, teachers, parents and government officials understand the reasons behind them and have an opportunity to contribute to the planning process. The Office of Education Quality Assurance played a coordinating role in the consultations that preceded the approval of the calendar. The harmonisation also reflects the government's broader effort to strengthen oversight of private schools. Lagos has one of Nigeria's largest private-school sectors, serving a substantial number of pupils and students. Ensuring that private institutions meet minimum standards in teaching, facilities and administration remains an important responsibility for education authorities. A common calendar can support that oversight by providing a clear reference point for academic activities. For teachers, the new session will also bring opportunities and responsibilities associated with professional development. Schools are expected to prepare staff before students return, ensuring that teachers understand curriculum requirements and administrative procedures. Effective teacher preparation can contribute to smoother resumption and stronger classroom performance. For students, the new academic year will provide another opportunity to improve learning outcomes and prepare for examinations and further education. The success of the calendar will ultimately depend on compliance by schools and effective monitoring by the state government. Education officials will need to ensure that institutions follow the approved timetable while allowing appropriate consideration for exceptional circumstances where necessary. The harmonised calendar therefore represents an administrative step toward greater consistency in Lagos schools. By establishing a common timetable for public and private institutions, the state government aims to make academic planning easier for schools, teachers, students and parents. With September 14 set as the resumption date, schools and families now have a clear schedule around which to prepare for the 2026/2027 academic year.