Lagos City Polytechnic, Ikeja is the first privately owned polytechnic to be established in Nigeria. It runs National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), and Bachelor’s degree programmes across two main schools, and it is fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). This article explains the full list of courses available at the polytechnic, the tuition fees attached to each programme type, admission requirements, and the application process for candidates targeting the 2026/2027 academic session.
Background of Lagos City Polytechnic
Lagos City Polytechnic was founded in 1990 by Engineer Babatunde Odufuwa, making it the pioneer private polytechnic in the country. The institution operates from its permanent site at 6/7 Bashiru Oweh Street, off Simbiat Abiola Road (formerly Medical Road), Ikeja, Lagos. Over the years, the polytechnic has expanded beyond the standard ND and HND diploma structure by entering into an academic affiliation that allows it to run Bachelor’s degree programmes alongside its diploma offerings, giving students a pathway to a full degree without necessarily transferring to another institution after completing the HND.
The polytechnic organises its academic programmes under two principal schools: the School of Management and Business Studies, and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Both full-time and part-time (weekend) study modes are available for most courses, which makes the institution a common choice for working-class students who want to combine study with employment.
List of Courses Offered at Lagos City Polytechnic
The courses at Lagos City Polytechnic fall into two broad academic groupings, in addition to a set of short, certification-based electrical training programmes. A candidate should be aware that not every course is automatically offered at both the ND and HND levels in every session, so confirming current departmental availability with the admissions office is a reasonable step before applying.
Management and Business Studies Courses
This category prepares students for careers in finance, administration, communication, and public-sector work. Courses under this school include:
- Accountancy
- Business Administration and Management
- Banking and Finance
- Economics
- Marketing
- International Relations
- Mass Communication
- Political Science
- Office Technology and Management
Engineering and Applied Science Courses
This category is designed for students interested in technical, laboratory-based, and computing-related careers. Courses under this school include:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Physics with Electronics
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Science Laboratory Technology
Electrical Certification Courses
Aside from the standard diploma programmes, the polytechnic runs shorter, practically oriented electrical certification courses aimed at candidates who want hands-on technical skills rather than a full diploma. These include Electrical Installation and Maintenance (City & Guilds/WAEC Technical Part B & C) and Electrical Panel Installation, Construction and Maintenance.
| Course Category | Study Mode Available | Level(s) Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Management and Business Studies | Full-time and part-time | ND, HND, Bachelor’s (top-up) |
| Engineering and Applied Sciences | Full-time and part-time | ND, HND |
| Electrical Certification | Practical, short-term | Certificate |
It is worth noting that the HND in Computer Engineering is offered strictly as a full-time programme and does not have a part-time option, unlike most of the other courses at the polytechnic.
School Fees at Lagos City Polytechnic, Ikeja
Lagos City Polytechnic charges tuition per semester rather than a single lump sum for the whole session, and the exact amount depends on the programme level and the study mode a student chooses. The fee structure below reflects the amount payable per semester for the 2026/2027 session.
| Programme | Study Mode | Tuition Fee (Per Semester) |
|---|---|---|
| ND and HND | Full-time | ₦170,400 |
| ND and HND | Part-time | ₦120,400 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Full-time | ₦205,000 |
| HND to Bachelor’s Degree (Top-up) | Part-time | ₦105,400 |
Students who cannot pay the full tuition at once are permitted to split the semester fee into two instalments. The instalment breakdown for the two most common categories is as follows:
| Programme | Study Mode | Amount Per Instalment (₦) | Total Per Semester (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ND and HND | Full-time | 95,400 | 190,800 |
| ND and HND | Part-time | 65,400 | 130,800 |
The slight difference between the base tuition figure and the instalment total reflects an administrative charge applied when a student opts to pay in two parts rather than settling the fee in full. Aside from tuition, new candidates pay a non-refundable application form fee of ₦10,000 for both ND and HND admission, and admitted candidates pay a non-refundable acceptance fee of ₦20,000 once the admission letter is issued. These figures apply uniformly across departments; the polytechnic does not currently charge a significantly different tuition rate for one course over another within the same programme level and study mode.
What the Fees Cover and What They Exclude
The tuition amount quoted above covers instructional costs, use of classroom and laboratory facilities, and administrative processing for the semester. It does not include hostel accommodation, which the polytechnic offers separately to interested students, along with assistance in securing accommodation within the vicinity of the campus for students who prefer off-campus housing. Additional charges such as identity card fees, departmental levies, and examination-related costs may also apply outside the core tuition and should be clarified with the bursary department during registration.
Admission Requirements
Admission into Lagos City Polytechnic differs slightly depending on whether a candidate is applying for the ND, HND, or Preliminary National Diploma (Pre-ND) track.
For National Diploma (ND) candidates:
- Application must be made through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), since ND admission at accredited polytechnics is JAMB-regulated.
- Candidates need a minimum of four credit passes in relevant subjects from WASSCE, GCE O’Level, SSCE, NECO, or NABTEB, obtained in not more than two sittings.
- Candidates must meet the minimum entry requirements set by the NBTE for their chosen course.
- Alternatively, a candidate can qualify with four credits from a Pre-ND examination conducted by an NBTE-accredited polytechnic, or with relevant NTC/NBC technical certificates carrying credit passes in trade modules and related subjects.
- Candidates must score at or above the polytechnic’s minimum JAMB cut-off mark, which aligns closely with the general cut-off applied for university and polytechnic admission, historically around 150 out of 400.
A candidate who did not list Lagos City Polytechnic as their first choice in the UTME can still gain admission by changing their institution of choice through the JAMB portal once the school opens its admission window.
For Higher National Diploma (HND) candidates:
- Application is made directly to the polytechnic, and the admission form costs ₦10,000.
- The candidate must hold a valid National Diploma in a related discipline.
- A minimum of one year of industrial work experience after completing the ND is generally required.
- General ND-level entry requirements also apply as a baseline qualification.
For Preliminary National Diploma (Pre-ND) candidates:
This track suits candidates who have not yet met the full O’Level requirement for direct ND admission. Applicants apply directly to the institution for ₦10,000 and need a minimum of four relevant subject passes from WASSCE, GCE O’Level, SSCE, NECO, or NABTEB, in not more than two sittings.
How to Apply
A candidate interested in Lagos City Polytechnic for the 2026/2027 session should follow this general process:
- Obtain the application form either online through the polytechnic’s official admission page or in person at the Admissions Office, 6/9 Bashiru Oweh Street, off Medical Road (Simiat Abiola Way), Ikeja, Lagos, for a non-refundable fee of ₦10,000.
- Complete the form accurately and submit it to the enquiry or admission office.
- For ND applicants, ensure JAMB registration is completed and the polytechnic is selected or updated as the institution of choice.
- Attend any required screening exercise organised by the polytechnic.
- Once admission is confirmed, pay the ₦20,000 non-refundable acceptance fee to secure the offered space.
- Proceed to pay tuition, either in full or through the two-instalment plan, before the registration deadline for the semester.
Duration of Study
Both the full-time and part-time ND and HND programmes run for two years. Full-time students attend the standard semester structure, while part-time students follow a schedule organised into three semesters per year, with lectures typically held on weekends to accommodate students who work or have other daytime obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lagos City Polytechnic a government-owned institution?
No. It is a private polytechnic, recognised as the first of its kind in Nigeria, and it operates independently of federal or state government funding.
Is Lagos City Polytechnic accredited?
Yes. All its ND and HND programmes are accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
How much is the tuition fee per semester?
Full-time ND and HND students pay ₦170,400 per semester, part-time ND and HND students pay ₦120,400 per semester, and full-time Bachelor’s degree students pay ₦205,000 per semester.
Can a candidate pay school fees in instalments?
Yes. Full-time ND and HND students can pay in two instalments of ₦95,400 each, totalling ₦190,800, while part-time students can pay two instalments of ₦65,400 each, totalling ₦130,800.
Does the polytechnic offer degree programmes, not just diplomas?
Yes. Through an academic affiliation, the polytechnic runs a Bachelor’s degree programme and an HND-to-Bachelor’s top-up option for HND holders who want to progress to a full degree.
Is hostel accommodation available on campus?
Yes, the polytechnic provides hostel accommodation and also assists students in finding accommodation around the school for those who prefer to live off campus.