Nasarawa State Polytechnic, often abbreviated as NASPOLY or now officially known as Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic (IMAP), stands out as amongst major polytechnics across the country for aspiring technicians, engineers, and administrators.
Choosing a polytechnic isn’t just about “what courses are available.” It’s about what you can realistically gain from the program in terms of skills, industrial exposure, accreditation, employability, cost, and a campus environment where you can actually thrive.
This guide on Nasarawa State Polytechnic is written for prospective students, parents/guardians, and candidates searching for:
- List of courses (ND/HND)
- Admission requirements (UTME & Direct Entry)
- School fees & other costs
- How to apply (Post-UTME/screening)
- Hostel, campus life, and location insights
- Accreditation/recognition and career outcomes
I am going to add a practical decision framework, departmental tips, common mistakes, document checklists, and how to confirm the latest admission/fees updates from official sources.
Note: Policies (cut-off marks, fees, screening steps, available programs) can change yearly. Always cross-check with the school’s official notices and recognized education portals (JAMB, NBTE, and the institution’s official channels).
Quick Facts About Nasarawa State Polytechnic (What You Should Know First)
If you’re searching “nasarawa state polytechnic,” your intent is likely one of these:
- You want to confirm the school exists and understand its status (state-owned polytechnic).
- You want the official list of accredited courses and faculties.
- You’re preparing for UTME and want admission requirements and cut-off expectations.
- You want to budget for fees, hostel, and living expenses.
- You want to know whether it’s worth attending compared to nearby polytechnics.
Where Is Nasarawa State Polytechnic Located?
Nasarawa State Polytechnic (officially known as Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia, or IMAP) is located in Lafia, the capital city of Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Address: Along Jos Road, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria (P.M.B. 109, Lafia).
Pro tip: Before choosing, ask current students or alumni:
- How easy is transportation to campus?
- Are hostels available and stable?
- How is electricity/water situation off-campus?
- Is there a good student community for your department?
These “real life” factors affect performance more than most people admit.
List of Courses in Nasarawa State Polytechnic (ND/HND) + Related Career Paths
Below, I’m grouping courses into school/faculty-like categories and adding:
- what the course focuses on
- typical career paths
- what to consider before choosing it
Note: Exact availability can vary by academic session. Confirm from the school’s admission brochure/portal.
1) Business, Administration & Management Courses
These are among the most in-demand in Nigerian polytechnics because they’re versatile.
Common programs include:
- Accountancy
- Business Administration & Management
- Marketing
- Public Administration
- Office Technology and Management (OTM)
Career paths: accounting technician, admin officer, HR assistant, sales/marketing, procurement, customer success, operations.
Who should choose these:
If you’re strong in communication, organization, basic math, and you like business operations.
Pro tip: If you’re choosing Accountancy or Business Admin, plan early for software skills (Excel, QuickBooks, Sage, basic data analysis). Those tools make your ND/HND more valuable.
2) Science, Laboratory & Applied Science Courses
These are good for students who like practical lab work and structured scientific methods.
Common programs include:
- Science Laboratory Technology (SLT)
- Computer Science
- Statistics / Mathematics-related programs (where offered)
Career paths: lab technologist (with certifications), QA/QC assistant, data entry/analysis roles, IT support, junior developer (with extra skills).
Tip:
For SLT, ask about lab equipment and industrial training links. For Computer Science, your success depends heavily on self-learning beyond lectures (web development, networking, cybersecurity, database).
3) Engineering, Technology & Technical Courses
Technical programs can lead directly to employable skills, especially with SIWES experience.
Common programs include:
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Building Technology (or related construction tech)
Career paths: technician roles, site supervisor assistant, maintenance, power systems support, CAD drafting, technical sales, telecom field roles.
What to check before choosing engineering:
- Availability of workshops/labs
- SIWES placement support
- Safety culture
- Strong technical instructors
4) Environmental, Building & Design-Related Courses
These programs are great if you like design, construction, planning, or real estate.
Common programs include:
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Quantity Surveying
- Building Technology
- Estate Management (where offered)
Career paths: site management, planning assistant, QS assistant, property management, CAD support, construction documentation.
Skill booster:
Learn AutoCAD/Revit basics early; it becomes a major advantage during SIWES.
5) Mass Communication, Arts & Social-Impact Courses (If Offered)
Common progras include:
- Mass Communication
- Library and Information Science
- Social Development / Community development-related diplomas
Career paths: media support, content creation, PR assistant, admin roles, community project support.
How to stand out:
Build a portfolio (writing samples, video edits, photography, social media projects). Employers hire proof, not only certificates.
Entry Requirements for Nasarawa State Polytechnic (ND & HND)
A) ND Admission Requirements (via UTME)
Typical ND requirements include:
1. Five (5) O’level credits in relevant subjects
- Usually including English Language and Mathematics
- Other subjects depend on the chosen program
2. JAMB UTME with the required subject combination for your course
3. Meeting the institution’s screening/Post-UTME criteria (where applicable)
Practical advice:
If you have O’level results in two sittings, confirm whether your department accepts it (many do, but not always for all programs).
Ensure your name on O’level results matches JAMB details to avoid screening issues.
B) HND Admission Requirements (Direct Entry into HND)
For HND (Higher National Diploma), typical requirements include:
1. ND result (in a relevant program)
2. Minimum grade requirement (often “Lower Credit” or higher; some departments consider Pass with strong experience)
3. SIWES/Industrial Training evidence
4. O’level requirements (still important in many cases)
What many applicants miss:
Your SIWES documentation matters, Keep:
- IT letter
- logbook
- supervisor evaluations
- final SIWES report
These can be requested during HND screening.
JAMB Subject Combination (How to Avoid Costly Mistakes)
Candidates lose admission yearly due to wrong subject combinations.
General guidance:
- Business/Admin: English + Mathematics + Economics + one other relevant subject
- Engineering/Tech: English + Mathematics + Physics + Chemistry (or another science subject depending on course)
- Computer Science: English + Mathematics + Physics + one of Chemistry/Biology/Economics (depends on institution policy)
Action step:
Use the JAMB IBASS/official brochure guidance for your exact program and confirm on the school’s admission notice.
Read also: National Open University 2026 Admission: Complete & Updated Guide for Prospective Students
Cut-Off Mark for Nasarawa State Polytechnic (What to Expect)
For the 2024/2025 and ongoing 2025/2026 admission sessions, the minimum JAMB score required for eligibility to apply for National Diploma (ND) programs and participate in the Post-UTME screening is 110.
This applies uniformly across courses, though higher scores improve chances in competitive programs due to aggregate calculations involving O'Level results and screening performance.
Candidates scoring below 110 are ineligible, and the institution often advises checking the official portal for any session-specific updates, as cut-offs align with JAMB's national benchmarks for polytechnics.
How to Apply: Admission & Screening Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Choose Nasarawa State Polytechnic in JAMB
Select the institution as your choice (or do a change of institution when needed)
Step 2: Prepare your documents early
Have clear scanned copies of:
- O’level results (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)
- JAMB result slip
- Birth certificate/declaration of age
- Local government identification (if required)
- Passport photograph
Step 3: Watch for the institution’s screening/post-UTME notice
When screening opens:
- Create an account on the school portal (if applicable)
- Pay screening/application fees via the approved channels
- Fill in your bio-data, academic details, and upload documents
- Print acknowledgment slip
Step 4: Screening outcomes and admission list
Admissions can be published via:
- School portal lists
- Notice boards
- JAMB CAPS (for UTME admissions)
Critical tip:
If you’re offered admission, accept it promptly on JAMB CAPS (where applicable) and print your admission letter.
School Fees for Nasarawa State Polytechnic (Budgeting Guide)
As of January 2026, the exact school fees schedule for Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic (IMAP), formerly Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, for the 2025/2026 academic session has not been publicly released in detail on official channels or reliable education portals.
However,State polytechnics like IMAP typically keep fees affordable, with estimates from recent years ranging between ₦25,000 to ₦100,000 per session for ND and HND programs, depending on whether the student is an indigene (lower rates) or non-indigene, and including charges for tuition, registration, examinations, and other levies.
Fees often differ slightly by department and level (freshers may pay additional acceptance or clearance fees). For the most accurate and up-to-date breakdown, prospective or current students should check the official student portal at portal.imap.edu.ng or visit imap.edu.ng for announcements, as payments are processed directly through the institution's system after admission clearance.
Career Outcomes: What Can You Do After ND or HND?
After ND
- Proceed to HND (after SIWES)
- Entry-level technician/assistant roles
- Entrepreneurship (small technical/business setups)
After HND
- Higher-level technician/technologist roles
- PGD (Postgraduate Diploma) pathway for university progression (depending on your plans)
- Professional certifications (ICAN, ANAN, COREN pathway info for engineering varies; confirm requirements)
Reality check:
Your certificate opens doors, but skills keep them open. If your goal is employment, combine your ND/HND with:
- internship experience
- basic digital skills
- a clean CV and LinkedIn profile
- references from SIWES supervisors
Common Mistakes Applicants Make (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Wrong JAMB subject combination
Fix: verify via official brochure and school notice.
2. Uploading unclear documents
Fix: scan properly, use correct file format/size.
3. Not accepting admission on JAMB CAPS (if applicable)
Fix: monitor CAPS weekly during admission season.
4. Assuming every listed course is available this year
Fix: confirm current session’s programs from the school.
5. Ignoring SIWES until it’s late
Fix: start asking departmental SIWES requirements early.
How to Confirm Official Updates (So You Don’t Rely on Rumors)
For the most reliable, always cross-check:
- The institution’s official website/portal and notice boards
- JAMB portal and JAMB CAPS for admission status
- NBTE references for accreditation-related context
- Reputable education news sites (as secondary confirmation)
FAQs
1) Is Nasarawa State Polytechnic a federal or state school?
It is a state-owned polytechnic (not a federal polytechnic). Always verify the specific institution name to avoid confusing it with other polytechnics in Nasarawa.
2) Does Nasarawa State Polytechnic offer HND programs?
Many polytechnics offer both ND and HND programs, but availability depends on department accreditation and session offerings. Confirm from the school’s official announcements.
3) How do I apply for admission into Nasarawa State Polytechnic?
You should apply usually through UTME choice on JAMB, followed by the school’s screening/application process on its portal when announced. Keep all documents ready and monitor JAMB CAPS where applicable.
4) Can I gain admission with two sittings?
Often yes, depending on departmental requirements. Confirm from the admission guidelines for your specific course.
5) What documents are needed for screening?
Commonly: O’level results, JAMB slip, passport photo, birth certificate/declaration of age, and local government ID (if requested).
Final Thoughts: Is Nasarawa State Polytechnic Worth It?
Nasarawa State Polytechnic can be a smart choice if you’re looking for practical, career-oriented education, especially if you approach it with a plan: pick the right course, meet requirements early, budget properly, and treat SIWES and skill-building as part of your “real education,” not side activities.
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