Plateau State Polytechnic, commonly abbreviated as PLAPOLY, is a state-owned tertiary institution established and funded by the Plateau State Government. The polytechnic operates from two campuses within the state, one located at Barkin-Ladi and another along Yakubu Gowon Way in Jos, the state capital. As a diploma-awarding institution, PLAPOLY runs its academic programmes under the regulatory oversight of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which accredits and supervises its National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) offerings. The institution also runs certificate and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) technical programmes, and has expressed an ambition to expand into full degree-awarding status in the future.
This article lists the courses currently offered at PLAPOLY, breaks down what students pay per level and residency status, and explains the basic admission requirements a candidate needs to secure a place for the 2026/2027 academic session.
About Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi
PLAPOLY structures its academic programmes under eight schools, offering a combined total of twenty-three HND programmes, twenty-seven ND programmes, twelve diploma programmes, one Remedial Science Technology programme, one Pre-NCE (Technical) programme, and five NCE (Technical) programmes. This wide spread across engineering, science, business, and general studies reflects the polytechnic’s mission to serve students across undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education levels, with a particular emphasis on engineering technology, applied sciences, humanities, and professional disciplines. The institution positions itself as a resource for developing the intellectual, cultural, and economic capacity of the wider Plateau State community, supported by its academic staff and campus infrastructure.
Full List of Courses Offered at PLAPOLY
Below is a breakdown of the courses available at Plateau State Polytechnic, organized under their respective schools.
School of Administration and Business
- Accountancy
- Business Administration and Management
- Public Administration
- Office Technology and Management
- Social Development
- Banking and Finance
- Marketing
School of Engineering Technology
- Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Minerals and Petroleum Resources Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Foundry Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering
- Building Technology
- Estate Management
- Quantity Surveying
School of Science and Technology
- Computer Science
- Hospitality Management
- Leisure and Tourism Management
- Science Laboratory Technology
- Statistics
- Automobile Technology
- Food Science Technology
School of General Studies
- Diploma in Law
- Library and Information Science
- Mass Communication
NCE (Technical) Programmes
- NCE Building Technology
- NCE Woodwork Technology
- NCE Electrical Technology
- NCE Automobile Technology
- NCE Metal Work Technology
Higher National Diploma Programmes
Beyond the ND-level courses listed above, PLAPOLY runs HND programmes in a number of specialized options, including:
- Accountancy
- Applied Chemistry
- Banking and Finance
- Biology/Microbiology
- Business Administration and Management
- Chemistry/Biochemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical/Electronics Engineering (Telecommunications Option)
- Electrical/Electronics Engineering (Power and Machines Option)
- Hospitality Management
- Leisure and Tourism Management
- Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing Option)
- Mechanical Engineering (Power and Plant Option)
- Mechanical Engineering (Production Option)
- Marketing
- Microbiology
- Mineral Processing (under Minerals and Petroleum Resources Engineering)
- Mining (under Minerals and Petroleum Resources Engineering)
- Office Technology and Management
- Physics and Electronics
- Public Administration
- Social Development
- Statistics
- Urban and Regional Planning
Candidates should note that HND options in engineering-related departments are often split into specific sub-options, such as the Manufacturing, Power and Plant, or Production options under Mechanical Engineering, and applicants need to indicate their preferred option at the point of application rather than assuming automatic placement.
School Fees at PLAPOLY
PLAPOLY, like most state-owned polytechnics in Nigeria, applies a differentiated fee structure based on whether a student is an indigene of Plateau State or a non-indigene from another part of the country. Fees are also charged per level rather than as one flat amount across the full ND or HND programme, and first-year students typically pay more than students in their second year because of one-time charges bundled into the fresher’s fee.
| Level | Indigene Fee (Per Session) | Non-Indigene Fee (Per Session) |
|---|---|---|
| ND I | ₦65,000 | ₦75,000 |
| ND II | ₦45,000 | ₦65,500 |
| HND I | ₦67,000 | ₦80,000 |
| HND II | ₦55,000 | ₦68,000 |
These figures cover standard tuition and core academic charges. They generally exclude acceptance fees, which new students pay separately after confirming admission, along with departmental practical charges that apply in laboratory- or workshop-based courses such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Science Laboratory Technology. Because state polytechnics review their fee schedules from one session to the next, and because Plateau State Government policy can influence the exact figures charged in any given year, prospective and returning students should always confirm the current amount directly through the PLAPOLY student portal or bursary department before making a payment.
One point worth noting is that the fee gap between indigenes and non-indigenes at PLAPOLY is relatively modest compared to some other state polytechnics, where non-indigene fees can run significantly higher than what residents of the state pay. This makes PLAPOLY a reasonably accessible option even for candidates applying from outside Plateau State.
Admission Requirements for PLAPOLY Courses
To gain admission into any ND programme at Plateau State Polytechnic, a candidate generally needs to meet the following conditions:
- A minimum of five credit passes in WASC, SSCE, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE O’Level, obtained in not more than two sittings.
- Compulsory credit passes in English Language and Mathematics among the five credits, regardless of the specific course chosen.
- A UTME score that meets the cut-off mark set for the intended course, with a general baseline of around 150 for less competitive programmes and up to 180 for more competitive ones, such as Accountancy, Computer Science, and the various engineering options.
- Successful completion of the school’s post-UTME screening exercise where applicable, along with submission of the required application documents.
For Direct Entry candidates seeking admission into the HND level, an ND certificate with a minimum of Lower Credit from an accredited polytechnic is typically required, along with evidence of completed Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) where the department requires it. Candidates applying for engineering and technical options, such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical/Electronics Engineering, generally need strong credit passes in Physics and Mathematics, while candidates for Accountancy, Banking and Finance, or Business Administration typically need credits in Mathematics and Economics alongside English Language.
Choosing the Right Course and School at PLAPOLY
With eight schools and dozens of ND and HND options to choose from, prospective students benefit from matching their intended course to both their strongest secondary school subjects and their long-term career interest. Students drawn to hands-on technical work often gravitate toward the School of Engineering Technology, which houses the widest range of programmes at the polytechnic, spanning civil, mechanical, electrical, and mineral resources engineering options, along with building-related fields like Estate Management and Quantity Surveying. Students more interested in commerce, administration, and organizational work typically look toward the School of Administration and Business, which covers Accountancy, Banking and Finance, Business Administration and Management, and related fields. The School of Science and Technology suits students with an interest in applied sciences, computing, and hospitality-related careers, while the School of General Studies covers foundational programmes such as the Diploma in Law, Library and Information Science, and Mass Communication.
Candidates interested in a teaching career in a technical subject area should also consider the NCE (Technical) programmes, which prepare graduates specifically for teaching roles in building, woodwork, electrical, automobile, and metalwork technology at the secondary school level, a route distinct from the standard ND and HND pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PLAPOLY a state or federal institution?
PLAPOLY is a state-owned polytechnic, established and funded by the Plateau State Government, and it operates under the regulatory supervision of the National Board for Technical Education.
How much does PLAPOLY charge indigenes compared to non-indigenes?
Indigenes of Plateau State generally pay between ₦45,000 and ₦67,000 per session depending on their level, while non-indigenes pay between ₦65,500 and ₦80,000 per session for the same levels.
Does PLAPOLY offer HND programmes in all departments?
No. HND accreditation applies to a specific set of departments and options, particularly within engineering, science, and administration. Candidates should confirm with their department of interest whether an HND option currently exists before applying for direct entry.
What is the minimum UTME score required for admission?
The baseline is generally around 150 for less competitive courses, while more competitive programmes such as Accountancy, Computer Science, and various engineering options typically require a score of at least 180.
Where is PLAPOLY located?
The polytechnic has two campuses within Plateau State: the main campus at Barkin-Ladi and a second campus along Yakubu Gowon Way in Jos, the state capital.