EDUCATION

How to Choose the Right Polytechnic to Study in Nigeria

Choosing the right polytechnic in Nigeria is a crucial step for students seeking a practical and industry-focused education. Polytechnics play a significant role in equipping students with technical skills and hands-on experience that are highly valued in today’s job market.

Polytechnic education is one of the fastest routes to academic progression due to its accelerated academic calendar, practical-oriented skills, and employment opportunities for graduates. Choosing a polytechnic education is one of the best decisions a student can make; however, selecting the right polytechnic can be challenging, especially for freshers unfamiliar with polytechnic institutions and how to choose the right one.

In this article, we will explain how to choose the right polytechnic and what factors to consider before making your choice. Let’s get started.

How to Choose the Right Polytechnic in Nigeria:

1. Location and Distance.

When choosing a polytechnic, one of the first things to consider is the location. Ensure that the school you plan to apply to is not too far from your hometown. For example, if you are from the South East, choosing a polytechnic in the South East will be more affordable and less risky than moving to another region to study. If you study in a different region, you may encounter transportation challenges that could affect your ability to travel home during semester breaks. Therefore, when selecting a polytechnic, consider those within your state or neighboring states before looking further afield.

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2. Available Courses.

There are over 100 courses that can be studied in polytechnics, though most polytechnics in Nigeria offer fewer than 60 courses at both the ND and HND levels. When choosing a polytechnic, you should research whether the school you plan to attend offers the course you want to study. For example, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti does not offer music technology, whereas this course is available at Ilaro polytechnic. Thus, if you want to study music technology, you would need to choose Ilaro polytechnic or other polytechnics that offer this program.

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3. Accreditation.

Some polytechnics in Nigeria run unaccredited (illegal) programs. To ensure your safety, visit the NBTE website to confirm whether the course you wish to study is accredited at your chosen school. If the school or course does not appear on the NBTE portal, avoid applying to that school, as choosing an unaccredited polytechnic could render your certificate useless after graduation, and you may not be eligible for the NYSC program.

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4. Admission Requirements.

Another important consideration when choosing a polytechnic in Nigeria is the admission requirements. Each polytechnic has its own requirements for both the National Diploma (ND) and the Higher National Diploma (HND). Some polytechnics accept 100 points in UTME and five O’level credit passes, while others require higher scores. To ensure you make the right choice, visit the polytechnic’s website and check the admission requirements for your intended course or department. This will help you choose the right polytechnic and avoid disqualification during the clearance process.

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Additionally, some polytechnics do not accept a CGPA below 2.50 for HND admission, while others do. You should research polytechnics that accept lower grades if necessary. Once you meet the requirements, you can proceed with the application process.

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5. Environment and Security.

Some polytechnics in Nigeria face security challenges, such as cult activities and armed robbery. To ensure your safety, ask current students about the security situation in the school hostel and off-campus areas. This will help you make an informed decision about whether the polytechnic environment is safe for learning. If, at the end of your research, you determine that the polytechnic or its community is not conducive to learning, consider other institutions.

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6. School Fees and Accommodation.

When choosing a polytechnic, you should consider school fees and accommodation costs. Many polytechnics in Nigeria are expensive, but there are still a few more affordable options, such as Federal Polytechnic Idah, Bida, Kaduna Polytechnic, and Offa Polytechnic. Research each polytechnic’s school fees and accommodation costs before making a choice.

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7. Reviews and Rankings.

Reviews and rankings are also important factors in choosing the right polytechnic. Polytechnics such as Yabatech, Ilaro Polytechnic, Ado Polytechnic, Auchi Polytechnic, Ede Polytechnic, Kaduna Polytechnic, Oko Polytechnic, Nekede Polytechnic, and Unwana Polytechnic are considered some of the best in Nigeria based on their rankings. These polytechnics are noted for their well-equipped laboratories and conducive learning environments, making them highly recommended by students and educators alike.

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8. Available Programs.

Polytechnics offer various programs, including full-time, part-time, daily part-time, weekend part-time, regular, and Distance Learning (ODFEL) programs. The full-time or morning program requires JAMB, while part-time programs are typically designed for working students and do not require JAMB. If you are a working-class student, you may prefer the part-time program to balance work and studies. However, not all polytechnics offer part-time programs, so researching program availability will guide you in choosing the right polytechnic for your needs.

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