Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, now officially known as Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic following a 2024 renaming in honour of Abia State’s first Executive Governor, is a state government-owned tertiary institution established in 1981. Located in Aba, Abia State, the polytechnic remains one of the most established institutions of its kind in South East Nigeria, running National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes across engineering, environmental studies, science, business, and the arts. This article covers all the courses offered at the institution, the admission requirements, and the school fees payable for the 2026/2027 academic session.
About Abia State Polytechnic
Abia State Polytechnic is composed of five academic schools: Engineering Technology, Environmental Studies, Science and Technology, Business and Management Studies, and Arts and Design. The institution holds accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and its certificates are recognized nationwide. The polytechnic runs both full-time and part-time programmes, making it accessible to school leavers as well as working-class students who need more flexible study arrangements.
Note that although this article refers to the institution by its long-standing name, Abia State Polytechnic, prospective students should be aware that official documentation and admission portals may now reflect the newer name, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
Courses Offered at Abia State Polytechnic
School of Engineering Technology
This school trains students in technical and industrial engineering skills. It runs four core programmes:
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology covers electrical wiring, power systems, and electronics fundamentals. Civil Engineering Technology trains students in structural design, construction supervision, and infrastructure development. Mechanical Engineering Technology covers machine design, thermodynamics, and mechanical systems. Computer Engineering Technology blends computing knowledge with hardware-focused engineering training.
School of Environmental Studies
This school covers programmes related to the built environment and property sector. It offers:
Architectural Technology trains students in building design, drafting, and construction documentation. Building Technology covers construction methods, building materials, and site supervision. Estate Management and Valuation trains students in property valuation, land administration, and real estate practice. Quantity Surveying focuses on construction cost estimation and contract administration. Urban and Regional Planning covers land use planning and urban development.
School of Science and Technology
This school offers science-based and ICT-related programmes, including:
Computer Science covers programming fundamentals, computer systems, and general IT skills. Statistics and Mathematics and Statistics train students in data collection, processing, and quantitative analysis. Science Laboratory Technology prepares students to work as laboratory technicians across chemistry, biology, and physics-based settings. Environmental Biology covers ecological and biological science relevant to environmental management and conservation.
School of Business and Management Studies
This school prepares students for commerce, administration, and management-related careers. Courses include:
Accountancy covers bookkeeping, financial reporting, auditing, and taxation. Business Administration and Management trains students in organizational planning and general business operations. Public Administration focuses on government and public sector management. Marketing covers sales strategy, consumer behavior, and promotional techniques. Office Technology and Management prepares students for administrative and secretarial roles supported by modern office technology skills.
School of Arts and Design
This school runs creative and media-related programmes:
Fine Art trains students in visual arts, design principles, and creative techniques. Mass Communication covers journalism, broadcasting, and public relations, offered at both ND and HND level.
| School | Courses Offered |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technology | Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology |
| Environmental Studies | Architectural Technology, Building Technology, Estate Management and Valuation, Quantity Surveying, Urban and Regional Planning |
| Science and Technology | Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics and Statistics, Science Laboratory Technology, Environmental Biology |
| Business and Management Studies | Accountancy, Business Administration and Management, Public Administration, Marketing, Office Technology and Management |
| Arts and Design | Fine Art, Mass Communication |
ND and HND Programme Structure
Abia State Polytechnic runs both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes. ND programmes typically last two years, followed by a mandatory one-year Industrial Training (IT) attachment, often referred to as SIWES (Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme). HND programmes also last two years and are designed specifically for ND graduates who have already completed their Industrial Training. Admission into HND programmes generally requires a relevant ND certificate with a minimum of Lower Credit in most departments.
Admission Requirements at Abia State Polytechnic
National Diploma (ND) Admission Requirements
To gain admission into ND programmes, candidates must meet the following conditions:
- Score the required cut-off mark in the UTME, which typically falls between 120 and 140 depending on the specific course, with the general baseline cut-off mark standing at 120.
- Possess a minimum of five O’Level credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings from WASCE, NECO, NABTEB, GCE, or TC II.
- Have credit passes in other subjects relevant to the chosen course of study.
- Select Abia State Polytechnic as a first or second choice institution on the JAMB portal, depending on the specific admission cycle’s policy.
- Candidates holding a National Technical Certificate (NTC) or National Business Certificate (NBC) may also be considered, provided they have a pass in a relevant trade subject plus four other relevant academic subjects.
Higher National Diploma (HND) Admission Requirements
For HND admission, applicants must:
- Possess a National Diploma in a related field, typically with a minimum of Lower Credit.
- Have completed one year of Industrial Training (IT) relevant to their ND programme.
- Meet the required O’Level subject combination for their chosen HND course.
- Provide ND transcripts and other supporting academic documents where required by the department.
The polytechnic conducts an online document screening exercise as part of its admission process. Candidates are required to generate a payment invoice through the school’s official portal, complete payment at designated banks or through eTranzact, and then log in using their Confirmation Order Number to complete the application form and upload the necessary credentials.
Abia State Polytechnic School Fees for 2026/2027
As a state government-owned institution, Abia State Polytechnic benefits from partial government subsidy, which keeps its fees moderate compared to private polytechnics in the region. Tuition generally ranges between ₦55,000 and ₦85,000 per academic session for regular ND and HND students, depending on the specific course of study. Courses under the School of Business and Management Studies, such as Banking and Finance, Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, and Microbiology, have historically been billed at a standard rate of around ₦56,550 for fresh (100 Level) students, illustrating how many non-technical courses cluster around a similar fee point.
Science and engineering-based courses under the School of Engineering Technology and the School of Science and Technology tend to fall toward the higher end of the ₦55,000 to ₦85,000 range, since laboratory use, workshop materials, and practical training attract additional charges compared to non-practical courses in business and the arts.
| Fee Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (Business/Non-Technical Courses, Fresh Students) | Around ₦56,550 per session |
| Tuition (General Range, All ND/HND Courses) | ₦55,000 – ₦85,000 per session |
| Acceptance Fee | ₦20,000 |
Beyond tuition, every newly admitted student pays a one-time, non-refundable acceptance fee of ₦20,000, payable once admission is confirmed and before the student proceeds with registration. It is worth noting that Abia State Polytechnic does not currently operate hostel accommodation facilities for its students, meaning most students find lodging in private accommodation around the campus in Aba rather than relying on institution-provided hostels.
These figures reflect the most recently available fee information and should be used as a working guide. Since the polytechnic recently underwent a name change to Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, and fee schedules at state institutions are reviewed periodically, prospective and returning students should always confirm the exact, current fee amount for their specific course directly through the official admission portal or the school’s bursary department before making any payment.
How to Apply and Pay Fees at Abia State Polytechnic
Applicants generally follow this sequence when applying to and settling fees at the institution:
- Register for the UTME through JAMB and select Abia State Polytechnic (Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic) as the preferred institution, ensuring the chosen course matches the required subject combination.
- Generate a payment invoice on the school’s official admission portal once eligible for the screening exercise.
- Complete payment at a designated bank or via eTranzact, then log in using the Confirmation Order Number to complete the online application form and upload required credentials such as O’Level results and the UTME result slip.
- Attend or complete the document screening exercise as scheduled by the institution.
- Once admitted, pay the acceptance fee of ₦20,000 to confirm the offer before proceeding to registration.
- Pay the applicable tuition fee for the specific course and level through the designated payment channel indicated on the student portal.
- Retain all payment receipts and confirm with the bursary office that fees have been correctly recorded before proceeding to course registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abia State Polytechnic accredited by NBTE?
Yes. Abia State Polytechnic is fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and its certificates are recognized nationwide.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Abia State Polytechnic?
The cut-off mark generally falls between 120 and 140 depending on the course, with 120 serving as the general baseline requirement.
How much is the acceptance fee at Abia State Polytechnic?
The acceptance fee is ₦20,000, payable once by every newly admitted student to confirm their admission offer.
Does Abia State Polytechnic provide hostel accommodation?
No. The institution does not currently operate hostel facilities, so most students arrange private accommodation around the Aba campus.
Is Abia State Polytechnic the same as Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic?
Yes. Abia State Polytechnic was officially renamed Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, in November 2024, in honour of Abia State’s first Executive Governor, though the institution is still widely referred to by its former name.