Top 10 Best Polytechnics in Nigeria

Do you want to know which polytechnics in Nigeria are rated the best? This article lists the top 10 best polytechnics in Nigeria to consider when choosing where you would like to begin your post-secondary journey.

As a young school leaver, it may be challenging to decide where to enroll: a polytechnic or a university? Maybe because of societal inclinations, we often have the mindset that it is either a university or nothing else.

So let’s make it easier. Your choice should be based on the career you are looking to pursue. If your profession requires applied learning, for example, home building, interior design, and fashion designing, then a polytechnic is most suitable for you.

This is because a polytechnic combines the in-depth study found at universities with practical, technology-based skills training.

There are about 40 polytechnic institutions in Nigeria, both private and government-owned. You can choose to attend a private-owned polytechnic if you are financially buoyant, but most students choose a federal polytechnic because of its affordability.

See the list of the best polytechnics in Nigeria that are popular among applicants.

Best Polytechnics in Nigeria

1.  Yaba College of Technology

Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) is a federal polytechnic in Yaba, Lagos. It is one of the first and best polytechnics in Nigeria. It was established in 1947.

Yabatech, among the first institutions to develop a center for entrepreneurship, has become more popular among applicants. It has been named the best polytechnic three times consecutively in a row. YABATECH has an open, distance, and flexible e-learning center and a satellite campus in Epe.

2.  Auchi Polytechnic

Like Yabatech, Auchi Polytechnic (AUCHI POLY) is one of the country’s leading polytechnics. It is one of Nigeria’s first four polytechnics. It was founded in 1963 as a technical college, then converted into a polytechnic in 1973.

Auchi Polytechnic is a federal polytechnic located in Edo State, Nigeria. It has been a citadel for higher learning dedicated to teaching and research excellence since its inception.

3.  Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro

Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (ILAROPOLY) is one of the federal polytechnics that has earned the reputation of a classic institution, educating and training students. Hence, it is one of the best polytechnics in Nigeria.

This Polytechnic was legally established on July 25, 1979, and opened its doors to the public in November of that year. Because of its excellent educational impact, IlaropPoly has once been awarded Best Polytechnic in Nigeria, Jamb Candidates’ Most Desired Polytechnic, and Best Polytechnic in West Africa.

It is the only Polytechnic that has maintained a clever running academic calendar for over a decade.

4.  Federal Polytechnic, Nekede

The Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (FPNO) is a federal polytechnic located in Nekede, Owerri West local government area, Imo State.

It was established by the Imo State government as the College of Technology, Owerri, on a temporary site at the premise of Government Technical College in 1978 before moving to its current location in Nekede.

On April 7, 1993, the Polytechnic became a federal government institution and was renamed The Federal Polytechnic, Nekede.

5.  Ibadan Polytechnic University

The Polytechnic, Ibadan (Poly Ibadan) is a polytechnic in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. It was founded in 1970 and has produced graduates who have made significant contributions to the country’s social and economic development and beyond.

As one of the best polytechnics in Nigeria, Poly Ibadan offers a wide range of specialized short courses that are targeted at improving the vocational competence of technical and commercial workers and provide an opportunity for specialist groups to present the most recent advances in knowledge and techniques.

It is an institution that offers opportunities for creative development and research in areas relevant to teaching, industry, and the business community at large.

6.  Lagos State Polytechnic

 Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH)was established in 1977 by the Lagos State Government as the first Lagos State-owned tertiary institution, the College of Science and Technology. But in 1986, the Lagos State Government renamed the Lagos State Polytechnic institution.

In 2021, the state governor, Babajide Sanwolu, converted the institution into a university (Lagos State University of Science and Technology). As a higher learning institution, LASPOTECH, now LASUTECH, has been committed to excellence in teaching, learning, research, and community service. It has its main headquarters in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria.

7.  Osun State Polytechnic.

Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY) was founded as a satellite campus of the Polytechnic, Ibadan (POLY IBADAN), in 1981. However, in October 1992, it was elevated to a full-fledged institution. It was founded to train middle-level workers in the fields of Science, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Information and Communication Technology, Management, and Financial Studies.

8.  Federal Polytechnic, Oko

The Federal Polytechnic, Oko is located in Oko, Orumba North Local Government, Anambra State. It was established in 1979 as a College of Arts and Science designed to prepare candidates for the General Certificate in Education (GCE) examination at ordinary and advanced levels.

As it gained popularity and attracted more school leavers, the Anambra State Government converted the institution to a College of Arts, Science, and Technology on June 28, 1980. In 1985, the institution was legally established as the Anambra State Polytechnic, Oko.

However, as the Federal Government took over the Polytechnic in 1993, it renamed it Federal Polytechnic, Oko. The main campus is in Oko, with additional campuses in Ufuma and Atani.

Today, Federal Polytechnic Oko is one of the best polytechnics in Nigeria and one of the most famous institutions among candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

9.  Imo Polytechnic

Imo State Polytechnic is another federal polytechnic that has contributed immensely to the educational system in Nigeria. It is one of the best polytechnics in Nigeria that has become more popular among applicants.

It was established in 1978 as the Michael Okpara College of Agriculture, Umuagwo, but was upgraded to a polytechnic status in 2007, renamed the Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo.

On November 3, 2021, the Polytechnic academic board held a meeting to relocate the Umuagwo campus to Omuma, Orlu, and Mbano campuses following the Imo state government’s directive.

Per the above directive and decision, the Polytechnic management directs all schools/departments to relocate to their respective campuses.

10.  Kaduna Polytechnic

The Kaduna Polytechnic(KADPOLY) was born out of needing a technical institute in Northern Nigeria. It was established as Kaduna Technical Institute in 1956. However, as the Federal Government took over the institution in 1991, the institute was renamed Kaduna Polytechnic.

The institution was founded to provide diverse instruction, training, and research in technology, science, commerce, and the humanities and in-service training programs for Nigerian public servants.