Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia (IMAP), formerly known as Nasarawa State Polytechnic, is a state-owned institution located along Jos Road, about five kilometres from Lafia town in Nasarawa State. The polytechnic was established on 15 August 2000 by the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Adamu, with a mandate to train middle and high-level manpower in science, technology, and management for Nigeria’s industrial development. In 2019, the institution took on its current name in honour of the late Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai I.
IMAP runs National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes, along with Pre-National Diploma (Pre-ND), remedial studies, IJMB, and consultancy programmes. The academic structure is organised into distinct schools, and each school houses several departments offering ND and HND courses. This article presents the full list of courses available at IMAP, arranges them by school, and breaks down the school fees payable by both new and returning students.
Overview of Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic
IMAP is accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and operates under five academic schools: the School of Engineering Technology, the School of Sciences and Technology, the School of Environmental Studies, the School of Communication Technology, and the School of Administration and Business Studies. Each school groups related departments together, and students select a specific course of study within a department rather than the school itself.
The polytechnic’s library, which was established in 2001, holds over 30,000 volumes and includes an e-library with ICT facilities for research and study. Admission into IMAP is competitive and follows the standard Nigerian polytechnic admission process, which requires UTME registration, a Post-UTME screening exercise conducted by the institution, and satisfaction of the O’Level requirements set for each course.
List of Courses Offered at IMAP Lafia
School of Engineering Technology (SET)
This school trains students in technical and industrial disciplines that combine practical workshop skills with engineering theory.
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology (with options in Electronics & Telecommunication)
- Mechanical Engineering Technology (with options in Manufacturing and Plant)
- Building Technology
School of Sciences and Technology (SST)
This school covers computing, laboratory sciences, and hospitality-related technology courses.
- Computer Science
- Software and Web Design
- Networking and Cloud Computing
- Science Laboratory Technology (with options in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Environmental Biology)
- Statistics
- Hospitality Management
- Tourism Management Technology
School of Environmental Studies (SES)
Courses under this school focus on the built environment, land, and property.
- Architectural Technology
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Estate Management and Valuation
School of Communication Technology (SCT)
This school prepares students for careers in media, communication, and information management.
- Strategic Communication and Mass Media Studies (Mass Communication)
- Library and Information Science
School of Administration and Business Studies (SABS)
This school offers management, accounting, and public sector-related courses.
- Accountancy
- Business Administration and Management
- Public Administration
- Local Government Studies
- Office Technology and Management
- Social Development (Social Welfare)
Note that not every course listed above runs at both ND and HND levels in every admission cycle. Some HND options, such as Networking and Cloud Computing or Software and Web Design, are more recent additions that expand on the older Computer Science ND programme, so applicants should confirm which specific HND option is open for their intended department before applying.
IMAP School Fees Structure
School fees at IMAP are relatively low compared to federal universities and many private polytechnics, since it is funded by the Nasarawa State Government. Fees are reviewed periodically and can change from one academic session to another, so the figures below should be treated as a guide rather than a fixed, unchanging amount. Prospective and returning students should always confirm the exact figure on the official IMAP student portal before making payment.
| Fee Type | Approximate Amount | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance fee | ₦20,000 | Newly admitted students (non-refundable) |
| School fees (fresh students) | ₦33,000 – ₦49,000 | New ND/HND students, depending on session |
| School fees (returning students) | ₦33,000 – ₦37,000 | Continuing ND/HND students |
| Post-UTME screening fee | ₦2,000 | ND applicants during screening |
| HND application fee | ₦5,322 | Candidates applying for HND admission |
| Pre-ND application fee | ₦4,322 | Candidates applying for Pre-ND admission |
Unlike many federal polytechnics that charge separate rates for indigenes and non-indigenes, IMAP has, in recent sessions, applied a largely uniform tuition rate to both indigene and non-indigene ND/HND students, with the school fee itself staying broadly the same regardless of state of origin. However, students from outside Nasarawa State may still pay slightly more once departmental charges, accommodation, and other optional fees are added, so this detail is worth confirming directly with the school’s finance office or bursary at the point of registration.
Aside from the core tuition fee, students are typically expected to budget for other charges that are common across Nigerian polytechnics, including:
- Departmental and laboratory fees for science- and engineering-based courses
- Identity card and library registration charges
- Students’ union government (SUG) dues
- Medical/health services fee
- Examination and result-processing charges
- Hostel accommodation, for students who choose to live on campus
These additional charges vary by department and by whether a course is laboratory-intensive (such as Science Laboratory Technology or Mechanical Engineering Technology) or largely classroom-based (such as Public Administration or Business Administration and Management). Laboratory-based and engineering courses generally attract slightly higher departmental charges because of equipment, practicals, and consumables.
How Fees Are Paid
IMAP operates a portal-based payment system rather than accepting fees directly at the bursary counter. Fresh students confirm their admission status on the official admission list, generate an invoice through the school’s payment portal, and pay through the designated bank channels linked to the portal. Returning students follow a similar process each new session, generating their fee invoice through the student portal before proceeding to pay. Payment confirmation is usually required before a student can complete course registration for the semester.
Students applying for HND admission pay a separate, smaller application fee at the point of applying, which is distinct from the tuition fee paid after admission is confirmed. The same principle applies to Pre-ND applicants, who pay an application fee before screening and a separate tuition fee once admitted.
Admission Requirements for ND Programmes
Candidates seeking ND admission into IMAP must meet the following conditions:
- Registration for UTME with IMAP selected as the first-choice institution, or a change of institution processed through JAMB
- A minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE
- A UTME score that meets or exceeds the cut-off mark set for the session
- Participation in the polytechnic’s Post-UTME screening exercise and attainment of the required screening score
- Evidence of medical fitness, which may be requested during registration
Admission Requirements for HND Programmes
Candidates seeking HND admission must:
- Hold a minimum of Lower Credit in a relevant National Diploma programme
- Provide evidence of one year of mandatory Industrial Training (SIWES) completed after the ND programme
- Possess five relevant O’Level credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings
- Arrange for their ND transcript to be forwarded directly to the IMAP registrar by the institution where the ND was obtained
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is IMAP Lafia school fees for new students?
New ND and HND students typically pay between ₦33,000 and ₦49,000 as tuition, plus a separate ₦20,000 acceptance fee, though the exact figure depends on the academic session and should be confirmed on the school portal.
Does IMAP charge different fees for indigenes and non-indigenes?
The core tuition fee is largely the same for both groups in recent sessions, though non-indigene students may incur slightly higher overall costs once other charges are included.
What courses can I study at IMAP Lafia?
IMAP offers courses across five schools, covering engineering technology, computer and laboratory sciences, environmental studies, mass communication and library science, and business/administration disciplines, at both ND and HND levels.
Is there a difference between ND and HND school fees at IMAP?
Both levels follow a similar fee structure, though laboratory-based and engineering HND options may attract slightly higher departmental charges than purely theory-based courses.
Can I apply for HND immediately after ND at IMAP?
Yes, provided you hold a minimum of Lower Credit in a relevant ND programme and have completed the mandatory one-year Industrial Training required before HND admission.