The Polytechnic, Ibadan, commonly called Poly Ibadan, is a state-owned institution in Oyo State that offers National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes across engineering, science, environmental studies, and management courses. Anyone planning to apply needs two pieces of information before registration: the courses available in each school, and the exact amount payable per session. This article lays out both in clear terms, along with the payment structure the institution currently uses.
Overview of The Polytechnic, Ibadan
The Polytechnic, Ibadan was established in 1970 and is one of the older state polytechnics in South West Nigeria. It runs full-time programmes as well as Daily Part-Time (DPP) programmes for candidates who need a more flexible schedule, including working-class applicants. The institution awards Ordinary National Diploma (ND) after the first two years of study and Higher National Diploma (HND) after a further two years, usually following a mandatory one-year Industrial Training (IT) period between the ND and HND stages.
Admission into ND programmes generally requires five credit passes in relevant subjects at WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB level, including English Language and Mathematics, at no more than two sittings. HND admission requires an ND certificate with at least a Lower Credit from a recognised polytechnic, plus evidence of completed Industrial Training. Candidates who scored a Pass grade at ND level are required to show two years of relevant work experience before HND admission is considered.
Courses Offered at The Polytechnic, Ibadan
Courses at the institution are grouped into schools (sometimes called faculties), each covering a cluster of related departments. The main groupings and representative courses are as follows.
School of Engineering This school covers Civil Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Metallurgical Engineering Technology, and Chemical Engineering Technology.
School of Science Courses here include Computer Science, Science Laboratory Technology, Geology Technology, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics with Electronics, Applied Chemistry, Library and Information Science, Biology/Microbiology, Food Science Technology, and Pharmaceutical Technology.
School of Environmental Studies This school runs Architectural Technology, Building Technology, Estate Management and Valuation, Quantity Surveying, Surveying and Geo-informatics, and Urban and Regional Planning.
School of Management and Business Studies Programmes offered include Accountancy, Banking and Finance, Business Administration and Management, Marketing, Purchasing and Supply, Office Technology and Management, and Public Administration.
School of Communication and Information Technology This covers Mass Communication and related media/information technology courses.
School of Art, Design and Printing / General Studies This includes fine art, design-related programmes, and general studies units that support other departments.
Not every department runs a part-time equivalent, and course availability under the Daily Part-Time mode can differ slightly from the full-time list, so applicants intending to study part-time should confirm departmental availability directly with the Continuing Education Centre (CEC) before applying.
School Fees at The Polytechnic, Ibadan (Full-Time Programmes)
The Polytechnic, Ibadan charges tuition based on four variables: the level of study (ND or HND), the year of study (first year or returning student), the student’s status (indigene of Oyo State or non-indigene), and the mode of study (full-time or Daily Part-Time). First-year students pay more than returning students in the same programme because their fees include one-off charges such as acceptance fees and fresh registration costs.
The table below shows the approved full-time tuition structure, along with the three payment options the institution allows: full payment, or two instalments split roughly 60/40.
| Programme | 100% Payment | 60% Instalment | 40% Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ND I (Indigene) | ₦169,000 | ₦102,000 | ₦69,000 |
| ND I (Non-Indigene) | ₦179,000 | ₦108,000 | ₦72,500 |
| ND II (Indigene) | ₦160,000 | ₦95,000 | ₦64,000 |
| ND II (Non-Indigene) | ₦165,000 | ₦98,500 | ₦66,000 |
| HND I (Indigene) | ₦200,000 | ₦120,500 | ₦81,000 |
| HND I (Non-Indigene) | ₦210,000 | ₦126,500 | ₦85,000 |
| HND II (Indigene) | ₦197,000 | ₦117,500 | ₦79,000 |
| HND II (Non-Indigene) | ₦202,000 | ₦120,500 | ₦81,000 |
From this structure, a few patterns stand out. Non-indigenes of Oyo State pay somewhat more than indigenes at every level. HND fees are consistently higher than ND fees, reflecting the more advanced practical and laboratory demands of the HND stage. First-year (Level I) fees are higher than returning-student (Level II) fees within the same programme, because Level I students carry additional one-time charges. The lowest full-time fee applies to ND II indigene students, while the highest applies to HND I non-indigene students.
School Fees for Daily Part-Time (DPP) Programmes
Students enrolled in the Daily Part-Time mode pay more than their full-time counterparts, since DPP programmes involve separate scheduling, additional contact hours, and dedicated part-time lecturing arrangements. The published figures for DPP are:
| Programme | 100% Payment | 60% Instalment | 40% Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ND I (Indigene) | ₦205,000 | ₦123,500 | ₦83,000 |
| ND I (Non-Indigene) | ₦215,000 | ₦129,500 | ₦87,000 |
| ND II (Indigene) | ₦186,000 | ₦118,000 | ₦78,500 |
Part-time HND rates are not always published alongside ND rates and typically follow the same pattern of being set higher than the equivalent full-time HND fees. Prospective part-time HND applicants should confirm current figures with the bursary or the Continuing Education Centre before making payment.
What the Tuition Fee Does Not Cover
The figures above represent tuition alone. Students should budget separately for the following, which are billed in addition to tuition:
- Acceptance fee – a one-off, non-refundable payment made by newly admitted students to confirm they are taking up their offer of admission, typically in the region of ₦25,000.
- Departmental dues – charges set by individual departments for materials, workshops, or departmental activities.
- Hostel accommodation – payable separately by students who choose to live in the institution’s hostels.
- ICT and library charges – fees covering computer laboratory access, internet services, and library use.
- Practical, studio, or laboratory fees – additional charges for courses that require heavy use of laboratories, workshops, or design studios, common in engineering, science, and environmental studies departments.
- Medical registration – a fee covering access to the institution’s health centre.
- Student union dues – dues paid to the students’ union government.
Because these additional charges vary by department and can change from one session to the next, the amount a student ultimately pays is usually higher than the tuition figure alone. New students are advised to prepare a budget that is at least 15–25% above the published tuition amount to account for these extra costs.
How Payment Works
The Polytechnic, Ibadan allows three payment routes for tuition: full payment at once, or a split arrangement of 60% at registration followed by a 40% balance later in the session. This instalment option gives students more flexibility, particularly those who need time to gather funds from multiple sources. Payments are made through banks or payment channels designated by the school’s management, and students are required to complete their payment before the deadline set for each semester to avoid being blocked from the examination portal or facing late registration penalties.
Factors That Influence the Fee a Student Pays
Several factors combine to determine what a particular student pays in a given session:
- Level of study – ND fees differ from HND fees, with HND consistently costing more.
- Year of study – first-year (fresher) fees are higher than returning-student fees because of one-off charges.
- State of origin – indigenes of Oyo State pay less than non-indigenes across all programmes.
- Mode of study – Daily Part-Time programmes cost more than full-time programmes.
- Department and course – departments with heavier laboratory, workshop, or studio requirements may carry higher departmental or practical charges even though the base tuition figure is uniform across most departments at each level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Polytechnic, Ibadan tuition the same for every department?
Base tuition is largely uniform across departments at the same level (ND or HND) and year. What differs between departments is the additional practical, laboratory, or studio charges some courses attract.
Do non-indigenes pay significantly more than indigenes?
The difference is modest, generally between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 more per session, depending on the level and payment option chosen.
Can students pay school fees in instalments?
Yes. The institution permits full payment or a two-part instalment arrangement of 60% followed by a 40% balance.
Is the acceptance fee part of the tuition figure?
No. The acceptance fee is a separate, one-time payment made after admission is offered, before tuition and registration are completed.
Do HND students pay more than ND students?
Yes. HND tuition is higher than ND tuition at every corresponding year and category, reflecting the more advanced nature of the programme.
Where can students confirm the most current fees before paying?
Because fees are subject to periodic review, admitted and continuing students should verify the exact current figures for their department and level through the institution’s official portal or bursary department before making any payment.