Nigerian Universities To Close Nationwide As Federal Government Announces New Public Holiday

• The Federal Government declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to mark Eid ul Mawlid
• The University of Ibadan (UI), Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria will shut down campuses
• Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo called on all Nigerians to reflect on the values of compassion, humility and national unity

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has a decade of experience in education and public affairs journalism, with extensive knowledge of Nigeria’s education sector, public policy, governance, and issues affecting students, teachers, and communities.

FCT, Abuja - Universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria will be closed on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after the Federal Government declared a public holiday to mark Eid ul Mawlid, the celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

The announcement came through the Ministry of Interior, with Permanent Secretary Magdalene Ajani issuing the official statement on Friday, August 21, on behalf of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Campuses are expected to be largely empty as classes and regular administrative activities come to a halt. Most students are likely to stay away from lecture theatres, while many residence halls, dining facilities, and campus offices may close or reduce their operating hours to cut costs and safeguard facilities.

Tunji-Ojo Sends Message to Nigerians

The minister used the occasion to congratulate Muslims both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, calling on all citizens, regardless of religion, to draw lessons from the values associated with the life of the Holy Prophet.

Tunji-Ojo said:

"Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others.

These are qualities our nation needs now more than ever, and I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them."

He also asked Nigerians to use the period to pray for peace and national cohesion, describing unity as a shared responsibility that belongs to every citizen.

He urged the public to mark the celebration with restraint and respect for one another, Punch reports.

Federal Government's Commitment to Peace

Beyond the holiday message, the minister restated the current administration's commitment to protecting lives and property and sustaining peaceful conditions across the colossal West African country.

The Eid ul Mawlid public holiday applies to most offices, learning institutes, and formal sector organisations nationwide.

Ahead of the holiday, public and private educational institutions are expected to advise anyone planning to visit their schools on Tuesday, August 25, to choose another date.

Read more on public holidays

• FULL LIST: Public holidays to be observed in Nigeria
• Oyo, Ogun, 2 other states to declare public holiday in August 2026, full list, reason emerge

UAE announces 2 remaining public holidays

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have two public holidays to look forward to before the end of 2026, with both carrying the possibility of extended weekends under the country's holiday rules.

The breaks are for the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and Eid Al Etihad, the UAE's National Day celebration. Depending on how the holidays fall and government decisions, employees could enjoy additional days off.

Public holidays in the UAE allow workers and residents to take paid time off to observe cultural and religious traditions, rest, and enjoy extended long weekends without using their annual leave.