By: Shehu Uthman (Digest Press), Abbas Shero (Pen Press), Luqman Kamaldeen Oladayo (Pen Press)
 |
| Screenshot portion of unverified notice |
On Thursday, 16th April, 2026, several individuals shared an unofficial message, notifying students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), that there is going to be no break term after the conclusion of the ongoing first semester examination. The notice further added that the academic session immediately proceeded to the second semester without any interruption. The message was reshared multiple times across several WhatsApp platforms accommodating UDUS students.
Background
Among hundreds of universities in Nigeria, UDUS, located at the heart of Northwest Nigeria, stands out as one of the most renowned institutions in the region. The varsity is reputable as the “most peaceful university in Nigeria.” Due to the hostile weather conditions and economic situation of the country, UDUS students often enjoy a cloud-nine whenever the school concludes an examination. As the school attracts learners from different parts of the country as far as North Central and far South, majority of the students can't bear to spend their time in the school even if the holiday is two weeks.
Claim
An unofficial notice surfaced by several individuals across multiple platforms involving UDUS students, has claimed that academic activities continue immediately upon completion of the ongoing examination.
The notice reads partly: “This is to inform all *UDUSK* students that there will be no holiday break after the First Semester Examination”.
“...Therefore, students who are planning to travel home are advised to take note that there will be no break period…Please take this information seriously and make necessary arrangements accordingly”.
“By Order of the School Management”
This notice has sparked mixed reactions among UDUS communities. As at the time of filing this report, some students have already traveled home, others are just writing their last paper for the semester, with many still having more to write.
Meanwhile, the message has thrown every category of the above students into confusion, as they were faced with uncertainty regarding their next course of action.
Amid pressing needs to combat misinformation, Pen Press UDUS and Digest Press UDUS verify the authenticity of the claim in order to clear the confusion.
Verification
Our reporters spotted several irregularities accompanying the circulated notice. First, it's unusual for the school management to communicate anything relating to the school in such an unofficial manner. Information from the school management traditionally comes from reliable sources or authorities.
Also, the informal signature, "By Order of the School Management," clearly indicates the information is from an unverified source, hence unreliable.
Similarly, content errors like “UDUSK” as used in the notice instead of UDUS (as customary referred by the school communities), quickly paves way for an eyesore.
What the School Authority Says
During an interview with the Dean of Students Affairs, Professor Zayyanu Umar Usman, our reporters authoritatively confirmed that the notice has nothing to do with the school management. Therefore, all students are advised to be very careful upon placing reliance on such kind of information, noting they should “stick to only what comes from the school management.”
What We Know
Based on the approved academic calendar for 2025/2026 academic session, the examination for the first semester is scheduled to be concluded on Tuesday, 28th April. Meanwhile, the second semester kicks off on Monday, 4th May.
Without any adjustments of the school calendar, that means the university will resume academic activities a week after the first semester examination.
VERDICT
Misleading! The notice shared across multiple WhatsApp platforms involving UDUS students, claiming UDUS will adopt semester-continue is unverified. The school management therefore advised students to follow the official school calendar for their academic decision.