It is a popular opinion in Nigeria that polytechnics are the alternative option when admission into the university doesn’t come through, or when your score doesn’t meet the cutoff of the department or university you apply for. However, polytechnics aren’t just the last resort for Nigerians. They are in fact a global system of education. Polytechnics are a type of educational institution that focuses mainly on STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields, but they also provide courses in applied sciences, business, and arts.
Compared to universities that mainly provide theoretical or classroom knowledge, polytechnics teach practicals in addition to theory that prepare students for the workforce. They offer National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), and other professional certifications. The timeline for the first diploma (ND) is two years, followed by a year of industrial training (IT), then another two years of HND. You can have the ND and choose to further in a university, or stop there.
With that foundation laid down, let’s take a look at some of the best polytechnics in Nigeria.
Best Polytechnics in Nigeria
1. Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)
2. Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
3. Auchi Polytechnic
4. Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
5. The Polytechnic, Ibadan
5 Best Polytechnics in Nigeria
1. Yaba College of Technology
It is famously regarded as YabaTech, and it is situated in Yaba, Lagos State. It was founded in 1947, making it the first higher institution in Nigeria. They offer National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programs across various disciplines.
Yaba Tech has 8 schools with 34 academic departments and 64 academic programs across all levels. Their major schools are the School of Engineering, which offers courses like Electrical/Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, etc. Also, school of Technology; with such courses as Computer Science, Food Technology, Hospitality Management, School of Management and Business Studies; with courses like Accounting and Banking and Finance, School of Environmental Studies with such courses as Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning and Estate Management, School of Art, Design and Printing; with such courses as Industrial Design, Graphic Arts, School of Liberal Studies; with General Studies, Mass Communication and School of Technical Education for people planning to become technology or vocation teachers.
They offer flexible programs for the convenience of their students, like full-time ND and HND, part-time, evening and weekend programmes, post-HND programs, Professional/Certificate programs, and collaboration programs with universities, even foreign universities.
Notable alumni from the school include Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde, an award-winning actress, Gbenga Ibikunle, an economist, and a host of others.
Unlike many polytechnics in Nigeria where security issues are a major concern, YabaTech provides a peaceful environment for students. They also have access to a wide range of training activities.
Graduates from this polytechnic are highly sought after, especially in Lagos and the Southwest states. They also benefit from the location – Yaba, the hub for tech companies, startups, and media houses– that gives them proximity to excellent internship placements and exposure. It is also a widely recognized polytechnic by employers. For graduates who want to transition into university, they usually have access to direct entry.
2. Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, was founded with Decree No.33 of 1979. It is located in Ilaro, Ogun State. It has over 30 accredited ND and HND programs across six faculties or schools, from Management Studies to Engineering and ICT to part-time studies.
The first edge it has over other polytechnics is a stable academic calendar, unlike others that have incessant strikes. Students have a foresight of their graduation year and graduate without hassle.
The polytechnic also provides students with modern workshops, equipped laboratories, and digital classrooms to ensure adequate technical learning. It is regarded as the most beautiful polytechnic in Nigeria.
They have now introduced an e-learning structure and also digital payment systems. Also, they have a strong curriculum, and their certificates are widely respected. They are accredited by professional bodies like ICAN.
Ilaro is acknowledged by the NBTE – National Board for Technical Education for its stability and quality programs and has been awarded multiple times by the body. They often make the list of the top three Federal polytechnics in Nigeria. Its location is very conducive for learning, a campus that has 898 hectares with hostels, sports, and learning facilities. Students from this polytechnic are notable for stellar performance in competitions.
3. Auchi Polytechnic
Edo’s foremost polytechnic is located in Auchi. It is one of the first polytechnics in Nigeria, as it was established in 1964. Auchi Polytechnic is an excellent choice if you’re interested in a career in engineering, design, media, or business.
The school upholds strict academic standards. Discipline is enforced, and exams are closely monitored. Hence, it is a school based on merit and excellence. As a result of this, they are highly respected by employers.
In the polytechnic system, Auchi Polytechnic is regarded as the one with the best engineering training. It’s a school for Arts and Design is also one of the most respected in Nigeria. Many award-winning artists are alumni of this school. Their Business and ICT programs train students who win competitions that give them business grants and access to tech events and opportunities.
Auchi gives practical training to students, giving them foreknowledge of the corporate world in fields of engineering, business, and media. Students from this polytechnic have represented Nigeria in design challenges and robotics competitions. Auchi students also regularly win NBTE competitions, exhibitions, and innovation contests.
4. Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
Federal Polytechnic, Nekede is situated in Owerri, Imo State. They regard themselves as the hub of innovation, academic excellence, and technical empowerment.
It has 7 faculties: Engineering, Industrial and Applied Science, Business and Management Technology, General Studies, Environmental Design and Technology, Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Information and Communication Technology, and Health and Related Technology. These faculties have over 40 ND and HND programs.
Nekede tops the league when it comes to ICT integration, among other Nigerian polytechnics. It was one of the first federal polytechnics to introduce online registration, e-learning, and virtual classrooms, showing how innovative they are.
They are also known for academic integrity that brings about excellence and exploits for them. Also, they have an edge in the job market because they have received practical hands-on training with ICT exposure. They have received massive recognition, especially for the awards they have received in ICT, debates, and entrepreneurship programs.
Nekede is situated in a peaceful place in Owerri, with a campus with modern equipment and facilities, and it offers students a low cost of living, making it an excellent choice.
5. The Polytechnic Ibadan
It was founded in 1970 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Like other polytechnics, it was founded to serve as an alternative to other forms of higher education, like universities. They focus on students gaining mastery of technical skills before graduating. Their slogan “ise loogun ise” (Yoruba language) translates to work is the prevention of poverty, showing their vision as an institution. What makes them is academic discipline, discipline, and readiness to work in the real world.
They have five faculties with numerous departments: Engineering, Sciences, Environmental Studies, Financial and Management Studies, and Business and Communication Sciences.
The institution also makes sure that its students master a vocational skill before graduation with their vocational and skill acquisition center. This being a part of their very affordable fees gives them an edge over other institutions.
From 2015-2017, they were ranked by NBTE as the best state-owned polytechnic and the 4th best overall nationwide. All of their programs –which are diverse and specified – are also fully accredited; there’s no fear of stopping a program midway because of accreditation problems.
Notable alumni from The Polytechnic, Ibadan include Ayodele Fayose – the former Governor of Ekiti State, Rauf Aregbesola – the former Governor of Osun State, and Bishop Francis Wale Oke.
Conclusion
These five polytechnics stand out among other polytechnics in Nigeria, not only because of their academic exploits, but also because of their emphasis on practical skills, peaceful and serene environments, alongside their prestige in the labour job market.
