EDUCATION

Top 10 Most Expensive Polytechnics to Study in Nigeria (2025)

Polytechnics used to be the go-to for affordable higher education in Nigeria — but those days are slipping away. With new economic policies and changing realities, some polytechnics have become almost as costly as universities. From skyrocketing tuition to pricey accommodation and hidden departmental fees, students now have to plan twice before picking an institution. To help you stay informed and prepared, here’s a look at the top 10 most expensive polytechnics in Nigeria for 2025.

1. Federal Polytechnic Ilaro

Federal Polytechnic Ilaro is one of the best polytechnics in the country, but its fees can drain your wallet. Accommodation alone starts from ₦80,000 per session — not yearly — and first-year tuition for practical courses like science, engineering, and social sciences hovers around ₦120,000, excluding acceptance fees, departmental dues, medical fees, and textbooks. Living costs within the polytechnic community aren’t cheap either. If you’re eyeing Ilaro, be ready for the bills.

2. Federal Polytechnic Oko

Located in Anambra State, Federal Polytechnic Oko is no relief for low-income families. First-year tuition crosses ₦100,000, and although second-year fees drop a bit, mandatory textbooks and off-campus housing make up for it. If you’re headed to Oko, buckle up — the expenses here will test your pocket.

3. Ogun State Polytechnic of Health

Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese Ijebu, is one of the most expensive polytechnics in southwestern Nigeria. Tuition alone can cost over ₦150,000 per session, depending on your course. Add rent, transport, and feeding, and it’s clear students without solid sponsors might struggle to keep up here.

4. Federal Polytechnic Nekede

Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State, is popular for quality education, but its costs aren’t friendly. Registration, tuition, accommodation, and daily living costs are high. A former Rector once said, “Education isn’t for the poor” — Nekede might just prove that true. First-year fees go above ₦100,000, and off-campus accommodation starts from ₦80,000. If you have no sponsor, you might want to reconsider or find a full-time program with fewer costs.

5. Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti

In Ado-Ekiti, first-year tuition is over ₦100,000, with part-time and evening programs starting from ₦110,000 upwards. Accommodation around the polytechnic community (Aba Erunfun) ranges between ₦80,000 and ₦200,000 per session — not per year. For students living far from campus, daily transport to town can gulp ₦1,000 daily, about ₦15,000 monthly. Beyond tuition, you’ll pay faculty dues, department dues, and practical manuals. If you’re struggling financially, plan wisely or look elsewhere.

6. Edo State Polytechnic

Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, charges ₦120,000–₦130,000 per session for full-time programs. Part-time students pay even more. Add rent, textbooks, practicals, and daily expenses — and you see why many students plan at least ₦100,000 per semester to stay afloat. Accommodation now costs around ₦90,000 per year — it used to be under ₦50,000.

7. Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY)

At MAPOLY, Abeokuta, tuition is above ₦100,000 per session, plus an acceptance fee of ₦30,000. Years ago, tuition was between ₦50,000 and ₦80,000 with a ₦20,000 acceptance fee — but times have changed. Accommodation within the polytechnic community is pricier now, and students must factor in transportation, feeding, textbooks, and endless seminars. Budget well to survive MAPOLY’s financial demands.

ALSO READ: Top 17 Most Expensive Polytechnics in Nigeria

8. Federal Polytechnic Auchi

Auchi Poly once stood out for its affordability — not anymore. Due to economic reforms, tuition, accommodation, and registration fees have shot up. Despite student protests, the high costs remain. Living expenses within the polytechnic community aren’t cheap either. Auchi may still be a top polytechnic, but it’s no longer the budget-friendly option it used to be.

9. Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)

YABATECH, recently converted to a University of Technology, is among the priciest in Nigeria. Tuition can reach ₦150,000 per session, excluding accommodation, departmental dues, and daily transport. While YABATECH is famous for its quality, students must be financially ready. Passing post-UTME is just step one — the real test is paying your way through without dropping out due to financial stress.

10. Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Warri

PTI Warri, a federal polytechnic in Delta State, isn’t for the faint-hearted either. Students spend about ₦100,000 each semester. Accommodation around the polytechnic costs around ₦80,000 per year, unlike Ede Poly or Iree Poly where students can still find cheaper rent for ₦50,000 or less.

The Most Expensive Polytechnics on This List Are:

Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State
Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State
Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State

How to Cope with Expensive Polytechnics in Nigeria

So, what can you do if your dream school is on this list? Here are two practical tips:

1. Plan Properly: Find out the latest approved tuition fees and speak to current students about the real costs — textbooks, practicals, dues, rent. Know what you’re signing up for.

2. Learn a Skill: Before applying, pick up a skill or start a small business. This extra income can help cover surprise expenses like seminars, assignments, and compulsory handouts.