Federal polytechnics in Nigeria usually have advantages over state and private polytechnics, such as lower tuition fees, academic quality, a wide range of academic courses, and more.

About Polytechnics in Nigeria

Polytechnics in Nigeria offer more practical education compared to the university counterpart that offers more of theory and very little practical. They also provide a wide range of practical courses designed to equip students with hands-on skills and experience that will help them in pursuing a successful career after school.

The certificates of provided by polytechnics are also different from that of a university in Nigeria.

While universities provide Bachelor’s (BSc/BTech), Masters (MA, MSc), and Doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees. Polytechnics provide the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) which take two and four years respectively to complete.

The National Diploma takes the first two years to complete and the student needs another two years in school to acquire the Higher National Diploma, thus the HND is a much higher diploma than the ND.

If you are an ND holder you can go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree then a master’s. But if you are an HND holder you can go on to pursue a master’s or doctorate, you may also decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree as well, if you wish.

When compared, the teaching curriculum of Nigerian polytechnics differs from the university counterparts.

While the universities do more theoretical work, the polytechnics teach from a more practical approach. Students who want to study science courses like computer science, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, etc. get to gain more skills if they study at a polytechnic.

Because these polytechnics teach practical work, students are equipped with useful knowledge, skills, and experience that will aid them in life after school.

If attending a polytechnic in Nigeria, it is expected that in six years (including a compulsory full year for industrial training and another full year for the Nigerian Youth Service), you are done with polytechnic school and certified in your area of study. Ready for the corporate world, or may want to study further like acquiring a master’s or doctorate or maybe starting a new business.

The Nigerian polytechnic HND certificate is recognized as a university degree by every HR in West Africa, and in some cases, it is even valued more than the university degree while in some other cases it could be valued a little less.

Since a polytechnic graduate already has skills that he/she will begin to present to the company or organization immediately, no need for rigorous training that a BSc holder has to go through.

When it comes to attending polytechnics in Nigeria, students prefer to attend federal ones because tuition fees are lower, the facilities are more equipped thus plenty of resources to go around for students. They also have renowned professors and academics who teach their students.

What is the difference between a polytechnic and a university in Nigeria?

Nigerian polytechnics and universities have a couple of differences which are;

• The graduate certificates are different, while polytechnics offer ND and HND, universities offer BSc, MSc, and Ph.D.
• Polytechnics teach from a more practical approach, universities teach from a more theoretical approach.
• Polytechnic graduates are equipped with hands-on skills and enjoy the real-life experience while university graduates only have more of theoretical knowledge.
• Scientific and Engineering programs are best studied in a polytechnic as they focus solely on skills training, while programs like Humanities and Health Sciences are best studied in a university.
• Polytechnics in Nigeria are cheaper than their university counterparts.

Which Polytechnic is the best in Nigeria?

Yaba College of Technology, commonly known as YabaTech is the best polytechnic in Nigeria. Asides from being the best in the country it is also one of the top federal polytechnics in Nigeria.

Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Owerri is also projected to be the second-best polytechnic in Nigeria currently.

How many federal polytechnics are in Nigeria?

There are 29 federal polytechnics in Nigeria. Though there are federal, state, and private polytechnics in Nigeria, and when they are counted together, there are well enough over 100 polytechnics in Nigeria but just 29 of them are federal polytechnics.

What is the name of the first polytechnic in Nigeria?

Yaba College of Technology, YabaTech, is the first polytechnic in Nigeria.

Being the oldest polytechnic in Nigeria, YabaTech also happens to be the best polytechnic in Nigeria which has produced some very bright minds who have contributed to the growth of the country.

With these FAQs cleared it’s high time we dived into the main topic, the list of federal polytechnics in Nigeria, and without further ado, I will list these schools and provide their details below.

List of Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria

The following are the federal polytechnics in Nigeria;

• Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech)
• Federal Polytechnic Idah
• Federal Polytechnic Damaturu
• Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
• Auchi Polytechnic
• Federal Polytechnic Ilaro
• The Polytechnic Ibadan
• Federal Polytechnic Oko
• Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic
• Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti
• Federal Polytechnic Oil and Gas, Ekowe
• The Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa
• National Institute of Construction Technology
• Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic
• Federal Polytechnic Bida
• Petroleum Training Institute Effurun
• Federal Polytechnic Ede
• Federal Polytechnic Offa
• Federal Polytechnic Oil and Gas Bonny
• Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic
• Nigerian College of Aviation Technology
• Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Science
• Federal Polytechnic Ukana
• Federal Polytechnic Mubi
• Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji
• Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda

Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech)

Established in 1947, located in Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria, and formerly known as Yaba Higher College, Yaba College of Technology is Nigeria’s first higher educational institution and the oldest and best polytechnic in Nigeria.

The institution is one of the federal polytechnics in Nigeria and has a student enrollment of more than 16,000 engaged in part-time and full-time studies.

Through her eight schools and thirty-four academic departments, YabaTech offers approximately sixty-four academic programs across ND, HND, and Post HND levels.

Through her programs, knowledgeable and innovative graduates are produced worthy of skill and character and ready to make a positive impact in the country.

Federal Polytechnic, Nekede

This is the second-best federal polytechnics in Nigeria which, in 1978, located in Nekede, Imo State, Nigeria.

Federal Polytechnic, Nekede has five schools namely; School of Engineering Technology (SET), School of Industrial and Applied Science (SIAS), School of Business Management Technology (SBMT), School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), and School of Environmental Developmental Technology (SEDT).

Through her five schools, a wide range of ND and HND courses are offered at the undergraduate level developing students with knowledge and skills for service.

Auchi Polytechnic

This institution is one of the first four federal polytechnics to exist in Nigeria, it was established in 1963 and located in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria.

Auchi Polytechnic has six schools with over 10,000 students enrolled in engineering technology, business, science environmental studies, and art & design programs in ND and HND levels of study.

The higher citadel of learning is consistently ranked among the top polytechnics in the country and West Africa, winning various competitions and prizes in engineering and arts.

Auchi Polytechnic produces highly skilled and well-trained graduates that will contribute to the growth of their respective communities and the nation at large.

Federal Polytechnic Ilaro

The Federal Polytechnic Ilaro is located in Ogun State, Nigeria, and one of the popular federal polytechnics in Nigeria, and was established in 1979.

This higher institution of learning has six faculties which offer a variety of academic courses in management, engineering, and environmental programs in ND and HND levels of study.

The six faculties are School of Management Studies, School of Environmental Studies, School of Engineering, School of Pure & Applied Science, School of Communication, and School of Part-time studies.

The programs and professors at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro produce technically skilled graduates who will become market leaders for Nigeria and the global competitive economy.

The Polytechnic Ibadan

The Polytechnic Ibadan is on the list of federal polytechnics in Nigeria and was established in 1970, located in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The institution of higher learning is chief in providing alternative higher education to universities specifically in technical skill acquisition.

The polytechnic provides a wide range of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma courses in engineering, environmental, management, and business programs.

The programs are offered full-time, part-time, or sandwich basis.

The institution trains students through hands-on research and creative interdisciplinary approach to become graduates who can be transformative leaders and move the country forward.

Federal Polytechnic Oko

This is one of the top federal polytechnics in eastern Nigeria, based in Oko, Anambra State and established in 1979.

It is recognized as one of the fastest-growing higher institutions of learning in Nigeria with a high futuristic disposition. It has eight schools through which engineering, business, arts & design, and applied sciences are offered in ND and HND programs.

The Federal Polytechnic Oko has three campuses, the main campus at Oko, Ufuma campus, and Atani campus and they all have affiliations with international universities and other institutions of higher learning.

Students of this institution are equipped with integrity, accountability, transparency as well as skills that will help them build a successful career after school.

Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic

Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic is one of the beautiful federal polytechnics in Nigeria, located in Unwana city, Ebonyi State, and founded in 1981.

The institution offers a wide range of academic programs in sciences, engineering, and humanities leading to the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) that are offered through her five schools.

Graduates of this higher citadel of learning are trained and developed with vocational skills in various fields that will help them in developing careers after school.

Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti

Consistently ranked among the top federal polytechnics in Nigeria, the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti is a higher citadel of learning dedicated to providing excellent education and producing quality graduates that will move the country forward.

The institution offers National Diploma, Higher National Diploma, certificate, and professional programs through her wide range of academic courses.

Federal Polytechnic Oil and Gas, Ekowe

Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Ekowe is not too old as it was established in 2007 and recognized as one of the newest federal polytechnics in Nigeria, it is located in Ekowa, Bayelsa State.

The institution has a variety of programs that leads to National and Higher National Diplomas.

Producing competent and highly skilled graduates equipped with adequate practical experience and high knowledge that will help them function effectively in the corporate world.

The Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa

The Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa was established in 1983 and has since been training students to acquire technical and vocational skills through her wide range of academic programs leading to ND and HND.

The school has six faculties through which these academic programs are offered and other opportunities for professional training in engineering and other relevant technologies.

National Institute of Construction Technology

National Institute of Construction Technology is the newest federal polytechnic in Nigeria, it is located in Uromi, Edo State, and established in 2014.

The institution provides quality education through her diverse National and Higher Diploma program and other certificate programs.

The higher citadel of learning is dedicated to equipping and taking the lead in promoting technological and socio-cultural advancement through research, creativity, and entrepreneurial strides.

Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic

Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic is one of the federal polytechnics in Nigeria established in 1991 and located in Kazaure, Jigawa State.

The institution has four colleges in different locations which are the college of engineering, science, and technology which is in Kazaure. The college of business and management studies at Dutse, the college of Islamic and legal studies at Ringim, and the college of agriculture at Hadeija.

These colleges provide a variety of academic programs that leads to a National Diploma and a Higher National Diploma.

Here, students are equipped with technical and practical oriented training to meet the manpower requirement for the development of the country.

Federal Polytechnic Bida

The Federal Polytechnic Bida was established in 1977 and located in Niger State and recognized as one of the federal polytechnics in Nigeria.

The institution has seven faculties offering academic programs in business, environmental, information, and applied & natural resources.

The school trains students to be technologically skilled, morally sound, and entrepreneurial.

Federal Polytechnic Ede

This is a tertiary institution located in Ede, Osun State established in 1992 and recognized as one of the federal institutions in Nigeria.

Federal Polytechnic Ede is involved in providing quality education and training students in research and equipping them with technical manpower that the nation requires to move forward and which will help students establish themselves in the workforce.

Federal Polytechnic Offa

This is a tertiary institution and one of the federal polytechnics in Nigeria established in 1992 and located in Offa, Kwara State.

The Federal Polytechnic Offa has six faculties which offer a wide range of academic programs leading to ND and HND certificates. The school is on a mission to train skillfully knowledgeable, industrious, and technological manpower required for sustainable national development and also self-development.

Conclusion

This post will help in facilitating your admission application to these federal polytechnics in Nigeria as we have also provided the top 15 polytechnics which you may find useful.

The links to these schools have been provided to help reduce your extensive research and help you find more details about admission requirements and application.