Al-Hikma Polytechnic, Karu is a private tertiary institution located in Nasarawa State, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. It was established in December 2016 and is fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and recognised by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME). The polytechnic runs National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes across several fields of study, alongside part-time, distance learning, and short vocational courses. This article covers the courses offered at Al-Hikma Polytechnic, their duration, admission requirements, and the school fees students should budget for in the 2026/2027 academic session.
Overview of Al-Hikma Polytechnic, Karu
Al-Hikma Polytechnic sits at KM 5, off the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, in Rafin Kwara, New Karshi, Nasarawa State. Its location close to the Federal Capital Territory makes it accessible to students from Abuja and its surrounding satellite towns, in addition to students from Nasarawa State and other parts of the country. The institution positions itself as a technical and vocational training centre, with a focus on producing graduates equipped with practical, job-ready skills rather than purely theoretical knowledge.
The polytechnic runs its academic programmes through separate schools, each housing related departments. Depending on the session, these are generally grouped as the School of Applied Arts and Science (sometimes referred to as the School of Computing Science), the School of Business and Management, the School of Engineering Technology, and the School of Environmental Studies. A College of Health affiliated with the institution also exists, though full National Diploma programmes in health-related fields such as Nursing are not part of the polytechnic’s core accredited offerings; health training at Al-Hikma is generally limited to short courses and seminars rather than a full ND or HND track.
Al-Hikma Polytechnic also runs an online, distance, and flexible e-learning platform, which allows students who cannot attend physical classes regularly to complete coursework through its Learning Management System (LMS). This makes some programmes accessible to working students and those based outside Nasarawa State.
Courses Offered at Al-Hikma Polytechnic
The table below summarises the schools and the main courses available under each, based on the polytechnic’s current accredited programme list.
| School | Courses Offered |
|---|---|
| School of Applied Arts and Science / Computing Science | Computer Science, Cyber Security and Data Protection, Software and Web Development, Artificial Intelligence, Networking and Cloud Computing, Statistics |
| School of Business and Management | Business Administration and Management, Public Administration, Accountancy |
| School of Engineering Technology | Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
| School of Environmental Studies | Estate Management, Urban and Regional Planning |
Within Computer Science, students at the HND level can specialise further into tracks such as Artificial Intelligence or Cyber Security, rather than remaining on a general computing curriculum. This lets a student who completed a general ND in Computer Science elsewhere transition into a more specific area of study when they proceed to HND at Al-Hikma. The Networking and Cloud Computing track is designed to prepare students for industry certifications, including those offered by major cloud and networking vendors.
Business-related courses at the polytechnic are structured to prepare graduates for roles in corporate management, entrepreneurship, government administration, and financial services. Accountancy graduates, for instance, are trained in bookkeeping, auditing principles, and financial reporting, while Public Administration focuses on the operations of government agencies and public sector management.
Engineering courses at Al-Hikma cover both the theoretical and hands-on components expected of technical polytechnic training. Electrical and Electronic Engineering students study power systems, circuit design, and electronics, while Computer Engineering combines hardware-focused training with systems and embedded technology.
The School of Environmental Studies trains students for careers in property valuation, land administration, and physical planning through its Estate Management and Urban and Regional Planning programmes.
Programme Levels and Duration
Al-Hikma Polytechnic runs its academic programmes at different levels, and the duration of study depends on which level a student enters at:
- National Diploma (ND): This is a two-year full-time programme open to candidates with the required O’Level credits. It is the entry-level qualification for most courses at the polytechnic.
- Higher National Diploma (HND): This is also a two-year full-time programme, but it is open to candidates who already hold an ND (usually with a minimum grade requirement) and, in most cases, have completed a one-year industrial training/work experience period between the ND and HND stages.
- Diploma/Certificate programmes: Some vocational and short diploma courses run for a shorter period, often one academic session, and are available on a part-time basis, including weekend classes, for students who cannot attend full-time.
- Pre-ND/Remedial programmes: For candidates who do not yet meet the direct admission requirements for the ND programme, a pre-ND or remedial track is available to prepare them for full admission.
Part-time and distance learning options exist for candidates who are working or who cannot relocate to attend regular daytime classes, particularly for courses under the School of Business and Management and the School of Applied Arts and Science.
Admission Requirements
To gain admission into the National Diploma programmes at Al-Hikma Polytechnic, a candidate must meet the following conditions:
- At least five credit passes in WASSCE, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE O’Level, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings.
- The five credits must include subjects relevant to the chosen course of study. For instance, a candidate applying for Computer Science or Engineering courses is expected to have credits in Mathematics and one or more science subjects, while a candidate applying for Business Administration or Accountancy needs credits in English, Mathematics, and relevant commercial or social science subjects.
- A minimum age requirement of 16 years at the point of admission.
- For candidates who choose to go through UTME, Al-Hikma Polytechnic is known to be admission-friendly, generally admitting candidates with a JAMB score of 100 and above, which is considerably lower than the cut-off marks required by many federal polytechnics and universities.
- Candidates without a UTME result can still gain admission through the polytechnic’s Pre-ND or Part-Time admission process, which does not strictly require a JAMB score.
For HND admission, candidates must hold an ND certificate (usually with a minimum of a Lower Credit) in a relevant field, along with evidence of the required industrial training experience, in addition to meeting the O’Level credit requirement stated above.
School Fees at Al-Hikma Polytechnic
As a private institution, Al-Hikma Polytechnic charges tuition that is generally higher than what obtains in public polytechnics but considerably more affordable than many other private tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Fees vary by programme, since some courses (particularly Engineering, Computer Science, and other technical or laboratory-dependent fields) carry higher practical and equipment costs than purely theory-based courses like Business Administration or Public Administration.
On average, tuition for most diploma and certificate programmes at Al-Hikma Polytechnic falls between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 per semester. Technical and laboratory-intensive courses, such as Engineering and Computer Science-related programmes, tend to cost more, typically around ₦120,000 per semester. Because tuition is paid per semester rather than as one lump sum for the full session, students are expected to make two payments per academic year, one per semester.
In addition to tuition, students should budget for other standard charges that apply to most Nigerian tertiary institutions, including:
- Acceptance fee: A one-time payment made by every newly admitted student to confirm that they accept their offer of admission before proceeding with registration.
- Registration and administrative charges: These cover ID cards, matriculation, departmental registration, and other routine processing costs.
- Practical and laboratory fees: Applicable mainly to technical courses such as Engineering, Computer Science, and other programmes requiring hands-on training with equipment or software.
- Accommodation costs: For students who require hostel space, though many students at Al-Hikma also opt for off-campus accommodation given the polytechnic’s location near Abuja and its satellite towns.
Al-Hikma Polytechnic also states that it offers flexible payment plans, including part-payment arrangements, which allow students to spread the cost of tuition across the semester rather than paying the full amount at once. This is particularly useful for students who fund their own education or who depend on irregular income sources such as part-time work.
Estimated Fee Range by Course Category
| Course Category | Approximate Fee per Semester (₦) |
|---|---|
| Business and Management courses (e.g., Business Administration, Public Administration, Accountancy) | 50,000 – 100,000 |
| Applied Arts and Science courses (e.g., Statistics, general Computer Science) | 50,000 – 100,000 |
| Technical/Engineering and specialised Computing courses (e.g., Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cyber Security, AI) | Around 120,000 |
| Environmental Studies courses (e.g., Estate Management, Urban and Regional Planning) | 50,000 – 100,000 |
These figures cover tuition only and exclude acceptance fees, registration charges, practicals, and accommodation. Because private institutions review their fee schedules periodically, prospective and returning students are advised to confirm the exact current figures directly from the school’s official portal or admissions office before making payment, as amounts can be adjusted from one session to another.
Why Consider Al-Hikma Polytechnic
Compared to many federal polytechnics, admission into Al-Hikma Polytechnic is comparatively easier to secure, given its lower JAMB cut-off requirement and its Pre-ND/Part-Time pathway for candidates without a UTME score. Its proximity to Abuja also makes it a convenient option for students within the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring parts of Nasarawa State who want to avoid relocating far from home. The presence of a functional online learning platform additionally suits students who need a flexible schedule, such as those already engaged in part-time work or other commitments.
At the same time, prospective students should weigh the higher tuition of a private polytechnic against the lower fees typically charged at government-owned polytechnics, and confirm that their specific course of interest is fully accredited by the NBTE before applying, since course accreditation status can change or be updated across academic sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courses does Al-Hikma Polytechnic, Karu offer?
The polytechnic offers National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes across Business Administration and Management, Public Administration, Accountancy, Computer Science, Cyber Security and Data Protection, Software and Web Development, Artificial Intelligence, Networking and Cloud Computing, Statistics, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Estate Management, and Urban and Regional Planning.
How much is school fees at Al-Hikma Polytechnic per semester?
Tuition generally ranges between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 per semester for most courses, while technical and specialised computing courses such as Engineering, Cyber Security, and Artificial Intelligence cost more, around ₦120,000 per semester.
Does Al-Hikma Polytechnic offer Nursing?
No. As of the current academic session, Al-Hikma Polytechnic does not run a full National Diploma programme in Nursing Science. Health-related offerings at the affiliated College of Health are limited to short courses and seminars rather than a full diploma track.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Al-Hikma Polytechnic?
The polytechnic generally accepts candidates with a UTME score of 100 and above, which is lower than the cut-off marks required by many federal polytechnics, making admission comparatively easier to secure.
Can I study at Al-Hikma Polytechnic without a UTME result?
Yes. Candidates without a JAMB score can apply through the Pre-ND or Part-Time admission process, which does not strictly require UTME participation.