Top Rated Polytechnics in Nigeria for Art Students

If you’re an art student hoping to continue your studies at a polytechnic in Nigeria, you might have asked yourself one big question: which school is the best for someone like me? While many polytechnics are known for science and engineering, quite a number of them offer well-structured and creative programs in arts, humanities, mass communication, business, and related fields.

In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at some of the most respected polytechnics in Nigeria that are excellent for art students. These schools are known for their quality programs, impressive facilities, and the success of their graduates in the creative and administrative industries.

What Makes a Polytechnic Suitable for Art Students?

Art students don’t just mean those who paint or draw. In Nigerian polytechnics, art-related fields include Mass Communication, Public Administration, Fine and Applied Arts, Music Technology, Theatre Arts, Languages, Social Development, and other programs in the humanities and social sciences.

A good polytechnic for art students should have:

• Strong academic departments in communication, arts, or social sciences
• Functional studios, media labs, or broadcast centers
• Well-trained lecturers with industry experience
• Recognition from employers and government bodies
• Student publications, exhibitions, or performance platforms

With that in mind, let’s look at some of the top institutions where art students can get quality training and thrive.

Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State

Auchi Polytechnic has long been one of the best polytechnics in Nigeria, especially for creative and communication-related programs. Its Department of Mass Communication is one of the oldest in the country, producing top media professionals. The School of Art and Industrial Design is equally respected, offering courses in painting, sculpture, ceramics, textile design, and more.

Auchi’s art school regularly holds exhibitions and competitions, giving students a chance to showcase their talent. Many graduates from Auchi Poly are now working in advertising, broadcasting, fashion design, and fine arts both in Nigeria and abroad.

Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Federal Polytechnic Ado is another top destination for art students. Its Mass Communication and Public Administration departments are popular among those interested in governance, media, or public service. The school also offers Office Technology and Management, which blends administrative skills with communication techniques.

The institution supports student creativity through media clubs, student press bodies, and debates. Its location in a peaceful academic town also makes it ideal for focused learning.

Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State

FedPoly Ilaro stands out for its well-equipped Mass Communication department, with radio studios and modern editing suites for practical training. It also runs programs in Library and Information Science, Business Administration, and Office Technology—great fits for art students who want roles in media, research, or business.

Ilaro is known for producing well-rounded graduates who do well in both private and public sector jobs. The school has built partnerships with media houses for IT placement.

Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State

Popularly known as Nekede Poly, this institution is widely respected for its Mass Communication and Public Administration programs. The school has a student-run campus radio station and engages students in real-world media experiences from ND level. It also offers Arts and Design courses under its Environmental Design departments. Nekede Poly’s academic environment is active, with competitions, press clubs, and internship opportunities with regional media houses.

Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State

This polytechnic has a solid Mass Communication department with facilities that support journalism, broadcasting, and public relations. Oko Poly’s cultural diversity also supports the study of arts and social sciences. Courses like Local Government Studies, Public Administration, and Fine Arts are also available for those interested in governance, policy, or design.

Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja

Kogi Poly offers Mass Communication, Public Administration, and Library Science among its art-friendly programs. The institution supports student participation in writing, radio production, and administrative research. Its central location in North Central Nigeria also makes it accessible to students from both the northern and southern parts of the country.

Osun State Polytechnic, Iree

This polytechnic is known for producing skilled Mass Communication graduates. It offers courses that prepare students for careers in journalism, editing, broadcasting, and public information services. Their theatre productions and press activities give students a practical learning environment. The school’s Public Administration and Local Government Studies programs are also strong, attracting students interested in civic engagement and community development.

Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State

FedPoly Ede combines creative learning with technical exposure. Its Mass Communication and Office Technology programs are equipped with studios and practical tools. The school often partners with local media for training purposes. Students interested in writing, news editing, content production, or administrative tasks will find this school a suitable place to grow.

Kaduna Polytechnic

KadPoly has a long history of strong academic training across several departments, including Mass Communication and Social Development. The Mass Comm department is known for its detailed curriculum in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. Kaduna Polytechnic also has a fine arts unit under the School of Industrial and Applied Arts, making it ideal for visual creatives.

HAFED Polytechnic, Jigawa 

This lesser-known institution offers Mass Communication and other related arts programs, especially aimed at Northern Nigerian students. The school continues to build its reputation by equipping students with practical skills for the media industry.

Jigawa State Polytechnic

Located in Dutse, Jigawa Poly provides Public Administration and Mass Communication among its programs. The school is affordable and serves as a training ground for students in the northern region interested in communication and governance.

Federal Polytechnic Bauchi

FedPoly Bauchi has a vibrant Mass Communication department that trains students in broadcasting, public relations, and media writing. The institution is also expanding into digital media, which benefits students hoping to work in modern journalism.

Kano State Polytechnic

One of the largest polytechnics in the North, Kano Poly offers a wide range of programs for art students. Its Mass Communication department is very active, and students often get involved in writing, radio, and television presentations during their studies.

Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo

This polytechnic has continued to produce graduates in Mass Communication and Office Management Technology. It’s one of the few institutions that offer a calm learning environment with exposure to modern communication tools.

Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu

IMT is a giant in art and design education. It has a long-standing reputation in Mass Communication, Fine and Applied Arts, and Graphic Design. Many popular Nigerian broadcasters and media personalities are products of this school. The school has state-of-the-art studios and is active in student journalism and creative arts shows.

Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana

This polytechnic offers Mass Communication and Public Administration programs with a focus on practical training. Students engage in news reporting, studio work, and IT placements to gain industry experience.

Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade

Gateway Poly is known for its digital focus. While rooted in tech, the school offers Mass Communication with an emphasis on digital media, content writing, and online journalism. It’s a rising name among younger polytechnics making waves in communication studies.

Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State

FedPoly Bida runs programs in Mass Communication, Business, and Administration. The Mass Communication department is well-staffed and offers both ND and HND courses. It’s also active in student media projects and professional seminars.

Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru

Niger Poly provides quality education in Public Administration and Communication. While it’s smaller than others on this list, its focused approach and low tuition make it a good choice for art students in Northern Nigeria.

The Polytechnic, Ibadan

One of the oldest and most respected polytechnics in Nigeria, Ibadan Poly offers Mass Communication, Public Administration, Local Government Studies, and more. It has trained hundreds of media professionals, administrators, and artists over the decades. The school’s equipment and experienced staff make it one of the top choices for any art student.

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