Lagos School Holidays 2026

Nigeria public holidays 2026

Every school in Lagos closes on Nigeria's federal public holidays. The headline 2026 dates are below; Islamic dates depend on moon sighting by the National Moon Sighting Committee.

The Islamic holidays may shift by a day depending on the moon sighting, and the Federal Government confirms each date shortly beforehand. Where a holiday falls on a weekend, a following weekday is often declared in lieu, which can extend a break by a day.

Lagos State term dates 2025 to 2026 and 2026 to 2027

The Lagos State harmonised calendar applies to all public and private schools below tertiary level. It runs three terms across 182 school days. The confirmed 2025-26 shape is below.

Each term includes a mid-term break of a few days that individual schools place around the public holidays. The 2026-27 calendar had not been published at the time of writing, so the mid-September start is indicative and follows the established pattern. We will update it once the Ministry confirms the dates.

International school term dates

Expat families in Lagos mostly choose international schools, which broadly track the state calendar but with their own structure:

• British curriculum schools (British International School Lagos, Grange, Greensprings and others) run a three-term year from early September to early July, close to the Lagos State pattern but finishing a little earlier.
• American and IB schools (American International School of Lagos, Lekki British and similar) work a two-semester or modified model from late August to mid June, with a fall break and a winter break.
• All sectors observe the federal public holidays, so Eid, Easter, Independence Day and Christmas close every school regardless of curriculum.

Because the Lagos State year is already a three-term September to July structure, British schools in Lagos align more closely with the local calendar than they would in most cities. For the curriculum landscape behind these calendars, see our curriculum guides.

Planning the year

Three practical notes for Lagos. First, the long third term that runs to late July means the Lagos summer break is shorter than a northern-hemisphere one, so home-country visits are tighter; book early. Second, international school fees are billed by term, so the September restart is when the largest invoice lands; our international school fees in Lagos guide covers the tiers and timing. Third, the Easter break in April and the December Christmas break are the natural windows for travel, while the rainy season from April to July affects domestic plans. WAEC and IGCSE exam seasons fall in May and June, overlapping the third term, so confirm any clash before booking.

Common questions

When do schools break up in Lagos? Lagos State schools end the second term on 17 April 2026 and the third term on 24 July 2026, which starts the summer break. International schools may finish a little earlier.

How long is the summer holiday in Lagos? Lagos State schools take roughly six to seven weeks from late July to mid September. International schools take about nine weeks from early July to early September.

When does the 2026 to 2027 school year start in Lagos? Lagos State schools resume in mid September. International schools typically restart in late August or early September. The 2026-27 dates were not yet published and are shown as indicative.

Do Lagos schools follow the British calendar? The state harmonised calendar runs a three-term September to July year that closely resembles the British structure, so British schools align fairly well with it.

Related guides

• Lagos city guide
• International school fees in Lagos
• Compare curricula