Uma Ukpai Polytechnic, located in Asaga Ohafia, Abia State, is a privately owned tertiary institution established in 2017. Named after its founder, Dr. Uma Ukpai, an evangelist and preacher, the polytechnic runs National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes across science, engineering, and management-related disciplines. This article covers every course currently offered at the institution, the admission requirements, and what students pay in school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session.
About Uma Ukpai Polytechnic
Uma Ukpai Polytechnic sits in Asaga Ohafia, a community in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, South East Nigeria. The institution holds accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the regulatory body responsible for approving polytechnic programmes across the country. As a relatively young private polytechnic, Uma Ukpai runs a smaller, more compact range of courses compared to older and larger polytechnics, focusing on core disciplines with steady demand in the Nigerian job market: accountancy, computing, statistics, and engineering technology.
The polytechnic operates full-time ND and HND programmes and accepts both direct UTME candidates and Direct Entry (DE) applicants who already hold a relevant ND, HND, or A-Level qualification.
Courses Offered at Uma Ukpai Polytechnic
Uma Ukpai Polytechnic runs five core accredited programmes at both ND and HND level. Each course is described below along with what it trains students to do.
Accountancy
Accountancy trains students in bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, auditing principles, and taxation. Graduates typically work as accounting technicians, junior auditors, or bookkeepers in private firms, government parastatals, and financial institutions. This remains one of the most consistently chosen courses at the polytechnic because of steady demand for trained accounting personnel across almost every sector of the Nigerian economy.
Statistics
The Statistics programme trains students in data collection, processing, and interpretation methods. Graduates find work in research departments, survey organizations, planning units of government ministries, and data-related roles across banking and insurance. A credit pass in English Language and Physics is compulsory for this course, in addition to Mathematics and a basic science subject at O’Level.
Computer Science
Computer Science covers programming fundamentals, computer systems concepts, and general information technology skills. Students learn the basics of software use, systems operation, and IT troubleshooting, preparing them for entry-level roles in IT support, systems administration, and general computing services. A credit pass in English Language and Physics is compulsory, alongside Mathematics and a basic science subject.
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering combines computing knowledge with hardware-focused engineering training. Students study circuit fundamentals, computer hardware assembly, and basic embedded systems alongside core computing concepts. Entry requires Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, along with two other relevant subjects such as Technical Drawing, Further Mathematics, or Basic Electronics.
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology
This programme trains students in electrical wiring, power systems, and electronics fundamentals. It shares the same entry requirements as Computer Engineering — Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, plus two supporting subjects. Candidates interested in specialized tracks such as Marine Engineering or Industrial Safety and Environmental Engineering under this department additionally need a pass in Biology.
| Course | Award Type | Compulsory O’Level Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Accountancy | ND / HND | English Language, Mathematics, plus 3 relevant subjects |
| Statistics | ND / HND | English Language, Mathematics, Physics, plus 2 others |
| Computer Science | ND / HND | English Language, Mathematics, Physics, plus 2 others |
| Computer Engineering | ND / HND | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, plus 2 others |
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology | ND / HND | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, plus 2 others |
Admission Requirements at Uma Ukpai Polytechnic
Admission into Uma Ukpai Polytechnic follows the standard route used by most Nigerian polytechnics, combining JAMB UTME registration with the institution’s own screening process. The general requirements for ND admission are as follows:
- Candidates need a minimum of five O’Level credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, plus three other subjects relevant to the chosen course, obtained from WASC, SSCE, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE ‘O’ Level in not more than two sittings.
- Candidates must sit for the UTME and select Uma Ukpai Polytechnic as their first or second choice institution, meeting the minimum departmental cut-off mark to qualify for internal screening.
- The generally accepted minimum UTME score for consideration is around 120, though the exact cut-off can vary slightly by department and admission cycle.
For Direct Entry (DE) and HND admission, the requirements differ slightly:
- HND applicants must hold a minimum of Lower Credit (CGPA of 2.0 or higher) in a relevant ND programme. Candidates with only a Pass grade may still be considered if they have a minimum of two years of post-qualification work experience in the relevant field.
- DE candidates transferring from another polytechnic or college must possess a minimum of Upper Credit in their existing ND or HND; those holding only a Lower Credit are generally not admitted.
- DE candidates with Distinction grades are given stronger preference during the selection process.
- DE applicants are often still required to participate in Uma Ukpai Polytechnic’s Post-UTME screening exercise, particularly if transferring from another institution.
Uma Ukpai Polytechnic School Fees for 2026/2027
As a private polytechnic, Uma Ukpai charges tuition and other compulsory fees directly rather than benefiting from the subsidy that federal and state polytechnics receive from government funding. Even so, the institution is known for keeping its fees on the lower end compared to many other private polytechnics in the South East, positioning itself as an affordable option for students who want private-institution benefits — smaller class sizes, a shorter admission cycle — without paying the significantly higher fees charged by some private universities and polytechnics in the region.
Total tuition at Uma Ukpai Polytechnic generally stays below ₦100,000 per session across its courses. Fresh (newly admitted) students typically pay between ₦45,000 and ₦60,000 per session, while returning students pay a comparatively lower amount, generally between ₦25,000 and ₦50,000 per session, depending on the specific course of study. This published school fee covers tuition, library access, and other standard miscellaneous institutional charges, though it does not always include the acceptance fee, screening fee, or accommodation costs, which are billed separately.
| Student Category | Fee Range Per Session |
|---|---|
| Fresh (New) Students | ₦45,000 – ₦60,000 |
| Returning Students | ₦25,000 – ₦50,000 |
Fees can differ slightly by course, since science and engineering-based programmes such as Computer Engineering and Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology sometimes attract a marginally higher charge than non-practical courses like Accountancy and Statistics, due to laboratory and workshop usage. Prospective and current students should always confirm the exact, current session’s fee schedule directly from the polytechnic’s admissions or bursary office, since private institutions periodically adjust fees in response to inflation and rising operating costs.
Hostel Accommodation
Uma Ukpai Polytechnic provides hostel accommodation for both male and female students. Interested students apply for accommodation through the Dean of Student Affairs office after securing admission. Hostel charges are billed separately from tuition, and students who prefer off-campus housing in Asaga Ohafia or nearby communities are also free to make private accommodation arrangements.
How to Apply and Pay Fees at Uma Ukpai Polytechnic
Prospective students generally follow this sequence when applying and settling fees:
- Register for the UTME through JAMB and select Uma Ukpai Polytechnic as a preferred institution, ensuring the chosen course matches the departmental cut-off mark requirement.
- Purchase and complete the Post-UTME screening form once UTME results are released, following instructions published on the polytechnic’s admission portal.
- Attend the institution’s internal screening exercise, which typically checks O’Level results and UTME performance against departmental requirements.
- Once admitted, pay the acceptance fee to confirm the offer, followed by the required tuition amount for the relevant course and student category (fresh or returning).
- Apply for hostel accommodation separately through the Dean of Student Affairs office, if boarding on campus is preferred.
- Retain payment receipts and confirm with the bursary office that fees have been correctly recorded before proceeding to course registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uma Ukpai Polytechnic accredited?
Yes. Uma Ukpai Polytechnic holds accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for its ND and HND programmes.
What is the minimum UTME score required for Uma Ukpai Polytechnic?
The generally accepted minimum UTME score is around 120, though actual admission also depends on meeting the departmental cut-off mark and passing the institution’s internal screening.
How much does Uma Ukpai Polytechnic charge in school fees?
Fresh students typically pay between ₦45,000 and ₦60,000 per session, while returning students pay between ₦25,000 and ₦50,000 per session, depending on the course.
Does Uma Ukpai Polytechnic offer hostel accommodation?
Yes. The institution provides hostel accommodation for both male and female students, arranged through the Dean of Student Affairs office after admission.
Can Direct Entry candidates apply to Uma Ukpai Polytechnic?
Yes. Direct Entry candidates need a minimum of Upper Credit in their existing ND or HND to be considered, and they may still be required to sit for the institution’s Post-UTME screening exercise.