The Yobe State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (YCOAST), Gujba, is a state-owned tertiary institution in Yobe State that trains students in agricultural and applied science fields at the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels. Prospective students preparing for the 2026/2027 academic session need clarity on which courses the college runs and what each programme costs. This article outlines the courses offered at YCOAST, the general fee structure that applies across its programmes, and what applicants should expect to pay before resumption.
About YCOAST, Gujba
YCOAST is located in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State and operates under the regulatory framework of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which accredits its diploma programmes. The college focuses specifically on agriculture, applied science, and related technical fields, distinguishing it from general polytechnics that run a broader mix of engineering, business, and humanities courses. Students admitted into YCOAST train for careers in agricultural extension, farm management, animal production, crop science, forestry, and related technical support roles within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Categories of Programmes Offered
YCOAST runs several categories of programmes rather than a single admission track, and applicants need to identify which category matches their qualification before applying:
- National Diploma (ND) Full-Time – the standard entry-level diploma programme, open to candidates who sit the Post-UTME screening exercise after meeting the O’Level requirement
- Higher National Diploma (HND) – open to ND graduates who wish to progress to the higher diploma level, usually after a minimum period of work experience or direct progression depending on the department
- Pre-HND – a bridging programme for candidates whose ND results do not meet the direct HND admission requirement
- Remedial Programme – designed for candidates who need to strengthen their academic foundation before proceeding into a full diploma programme
- Certificate Programmes – shorter, non-diploma courses aimed at candidates seeking basic technical training in specific agricultural skills
- Diploma Programmes – general diploma courses distinct from the NBTE-accredited ND/HND track
List of Courses Offered at YCOAST
YCOAST structures its academic offerings around departments connected to agricultural production, applied science, and technical support services. Based on the college’s established departmental structure, the following courses run at the ND and HND levels:
- Agricultural Technology
- Animal Health and Production Technology
- Crop Production Technology
- Forestry Management/Forestry Technology
- Fisheries Technology
- Agricultural Extension and Management
- Horticulture
- Statistics
- Science Laboratory Technology
Admission into any of these courses at the ND level requires a minimum of three O’Level credits in relevant subjects, with passes specifically required in English Language and Mathematics, obtained from WAEC, NECO, or an equivalent examination body. Candidates applying for HND admission generally need an ND certificate with an acceptable grade in a related field, sometimes alongside a period of post-ND work experience, depending on the specific department.
General Fee Structure at YCOAST
As a state-owned college, YCOAST charges considerably lower fees than private polytechnics offering comparable diploma programmes, since tuition is subsidized by the Yobe State Government. The exact amount payable by a student is made up of several components rather than a single tuition charge:
- Tuition fee – the core academic charge specific to the diploma level and programme
- Acceptance fee – a one-time payment confirming admission after an offer is received
- Registration and departmental fees – covers course registration, ID processing, and departmental materials
- Library and ICT fee – supports access to library resources and computer-based learning tools
- Medical fee – covers basic healthcare services provided on campus
- Student union dues and sports fee – union levy and sports development charge applicable to all students
- Practical/field fee – covers costs tied to farm practicals, field trips, and laboratory work central to agricultural training
For students who wish to apply, the application form itself is priced differently depending on the programme category: the Remedial form costs around ₦2,500, Pre-HND around ₦3,000, HND around ₦3,500, Post-UTME (ND) around ₦2,500, Certificate around ₦1,000, and Diploma around ₦2,000. These figures cover the cost of purchasing and submitting an application and are separate from the actual school fees paid after securing admission.
Estimated School Fees by Programme Level
Since YCOAST is a state college of agriculture with a subsidized fee model similar to other state-owned agricultural colleges in northern Nigeria, students should expect their overall session cost to fall within a modest range compared to private polytechnics or universities. The table below presents a general estimate of what each programme category typically costs per session, based on the fee pattern common to state colleges of agriculture in Nigeria.
| Programme Category | Estimated Fee Range (Per Session) |
|---|---|
| National Diploma (ND) Full-Time | ₦25,000 – ₦50,000 |
| Higher National Diploma (HND) | ₦30,000 – ₦55,000 |
| Pre-HND | ₦20,000 – ₦40,000 |
| Remedial | ₦15,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Certificate | ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 |
| Diploma | ₦15,000 – ₦30,000 |
These figures are general estimates drawn from the typical fee bracket for state colleges of agriculture in Nigeria and are not official per-department figures published by YCOAST for the 2026/2027 session. Since YCOAST’s fee schedule can be adjusted by the state government or college management from one session to the next, applicants should confirm the exact current figure through the college’s official admissions portal before making any payment.
Why Fees May Differ Slightly Between Departments
Even within a subsidized fee structure, some departments at YCOAST carry slightly higher charges than others because of the practical demands of their coursework. Courses such as Animal Health and Production Technology, Crop Production Technology, and Fisheries Technology involve regular farm practicals, field trips, and hands-on animal or plant handling, which raise the operational cost of running those programmes compared to more classroom-based courses like Statistics or Agricultural Extension and Management. Science Laboratory Technology also carries a slightly elevated cost due to the laboratory equipment and consumables its practical sessions require.
Additional Costs Students Should Plan For
Beyond the basic school fee, students at YCOAST should budget for a few recurring costs connected to agricultural training specifically:
- Farm tools and practical wear – Students in crop and animal-based departments typically purchase basic farm tools, boots, and protective wear for field and farm practicals.
- Accommodation – Students who choose to stay in college hostel facilities pay a separate accommodation fee each session, while those living off-campus in Gujba budget for rent independently.
- Textbooks and departmental handouts – Courses tied to agricultural science rely on updated reference materials beyond what the library provides.
- Industrial Training (SIWES) costs – ND students proceeding for industrial attachment before their final year should plan for transportation and logistics tied to their placement on farms, agro-processing companies, or related agencies.
- Project and clearance fees – Final-year ND and HND students pay project supervision and clearance charges before their diploma is processed.
How to Apply and Confirm the Exact Fee
Interested candidates apply to YCOAST through the college’s official online admissions portal at ycoast.admissions.cloud, where application forms for each programme category are purchased and submitted. Once admission is confirmed, the exact school fee for a student’s specific department and level becomes available on the same portal or through the college’s bursary and consultancy unit. Applicants should treat any fee figure quoted in this article, or elsewhere online, as a planning estimate rather than a fixed final amount, since the state college can revise its fee schedule between sessions. Payment should only be made through the official channels indicated on the admissions portal to avoid falling victim to unofficial agents claiming to process payments on the college’s behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is YCOAST a state or federal institution?
YCOAST is a state-owned college under the Yobe State Government, which is why its fees are subsidized and generally lower than what private institutions or federal colleges without similar subsidies charge.
What is the minimum requirement to gain admission into the ND programme?
Candidates need at least three O’Level credits in relevant subjects, with passes required specifically in English Language and Mathematics, obtained from WAEC, NECO, or an equivalent body.
Does YCOAST offer HND programmes directly after ND?
Yes. ND graduates from YCOAST or other NBTE-accredited institutions can apply for HND admission, though some departments require a minimum grade or a period of post-ND work experience before direct progression.
Are application form fees the same as school fees?
No. Application form fees, which range from about ₦1,000 to ₦3,500 depending on the programme category, only cover the cost of applying. School fees are paid separately once admission is confirmed.
Where can I get the exact, updated school fee for my department?
The most reliable source is the official YCOAST admissions portal at ycoast.admissions.cloud, or direct contact with the college’s bursary and consultancy unit, since fee figures are subject to periodic review by the college and Yobe State Government.