A polytechnic is an institute of learning that teaches applied arts, science, or engineering courses. It differs from a university in that it doesn’t teach academic subjects but teaches applicable skills in scientific, technological/technical, and engineering fields. There are many government-approved polytechnics in Nigeria.
While many are either federal or state government-owned, a few are private-owned. Some of these polytechnics are the most sought-after for admission seekers. But then which polytechnic is the best in Nigeria? In this article, our area of concentration will be talking about the best polytechnics in Nigeria.
Which Polytechnic is the Best in Nigeria?
Webometrics – a leading Spain-based Institution ranking organization – in its 2021 ranking of world polytechnics, ranked Yaba College of Technology as the best polytechnic in Nigeria. Yaba College of Technology is rated 6754 in the world which is higher than that of any other polytechnic in Nigeria.
Located in Lagos State and popularly known as Yabatech, this prestigious institution was established by the Federal Government in 1947. For years, Yaba College of Technology has been one of the most sought-after polytechnics in the country. For years running, the school admits thousands of students and currently has a student enrolment of over 16000.
Yaba College of Technology has 8 schools and 34 academic departments which offers a sum total of 64 accredited programs across National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), and post-Higher National Diploma levels.
Yabatech became a trailblazer as it became the first among Nigerian polytechnics to establish a Centre for Entrepreneurship Development. This center is dedicated to helping students develop entrepreneurial skills that will be useful to them before and after graduation.
In addition to this, Yabatech has an Applied Research and Technology Innovation Unit whose purpose is to promote research – in various technological/technical and engineering areas – by collaborating with private sector organizations.
Aside from its main campus, Yabatech has a second campus which is located at Epe. This second campus is where the Michael Otedola Information and Communication Centre and the Department of Agricultural Technology are domiciled.
In 1979, Yaba College of Technology experienced a brief rechristening to become the Federal Polytechnic, Yaba. However, the school returned to bear its initial name in 1980.
In the recent past, there have been rumours stating that Yabatech is being converted to a full-fledged university, but it’s not true. The Nigerian Senate has not given approval for that. So Yaba College of Technology or Yabatech still remains a polytechnic, and the best one in the country.
Some other polytechnics that make up the top 10 best polytechnics in Nigeria include:
- Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
- Lagos State Polytechnic
- Auchi Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti
- Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
- Federal Polytechnic, Ede
- Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
- Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta
- Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun
Which is better Yabatech or Laspotech?
With a score of 6754 for Yabatech and 8689 for Laspotech, Yabatech is better than Laspotech based on 2021 Webometrics world ranking of polytechnics.
Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) is the overall best in polytechnic in Nigeria while Lagos state polytechnic (Laspotech) is the best among state-owned polytechnics.
Which Poly is the cheapest in Nigeria?
The cheapest polytechnic in Nigeria is Auchi Polytechnic. The school has the lowest tuition fee among other polytechnics in Nigeria.
Some of the other cheap polytechnics in Nigeria are:
- Enugu Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti
- Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
- Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
- Federal Polytechnic, Offa
- Kaduna Polytechnic
- Kwara State Polytechnic
What is the best private polytechnic in Nigeria?
Based on 2021 Webometrics ranking of polytechnics, the best private polytechnic in Nigeria is Crown Polytechnic located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Conclusion
The best polytechnic in Nigeria is Yaba College of Technology (popularly called Yabatech) which was established by the Federal Government in 1947. The school ranks higher than any other polytechnic in Nigeria in the 2021 Webometrics rankings.
Yabatech has 8 schools and 34 academic departments which offers a sum total of 64 accredited programmes across National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and post Higher National Diploma levels.