Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi is one of the leading polytechnics in Nigeria. Founded in 1978, the polytechnic has continued to provide high-quality technical and professional education to students from across the country.
ALSO SEE:
Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa Courses And Requirements.
Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku Courses And Requirements.
Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo Courses And Requirements
List of State Polytechnics In Nigeria
Osun State Polytechnic, Iree Courses And Requirements.
The polytechnic runs a variety of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programs across different schools and faculties. The programs equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen fields and contribute to national development.
Overview of Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi
Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi is located in Barkin-Ladi, Plateau State, in the north-central region of Nigeria. The institution started as the Plateau State College of Technology and was affiliated to Kaduna Polytechnic. It was officially established as a polytechnic in 1978 through Edict No. 3 of 1978.
The polytechnic operates a multi-campus system with its main campus located in Barkin-Ladi and additional campuses in Jos, Shendam, and Lafia. It currently has over 15,000 students enrolled in various programs.
The vision of Plateau State Polytechnic is to be a top-rate institution that produces skilled manpower through teaching, research, and community service. The polytechnic also aims to provide accessible and affordable technological and professional education.
The polytechnic has a staff strength of about 1,500, comprising academic, administrative, and support staff. It runs over 50 academic programs across different disciplines and has state-of-the-art facilities to facilitate teaching and learning. Some key facilities include well-equipped engineering workshops, computer laboratories, and science laboratories.
Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi is fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). All the programs offered are approved and have acquired NBTE accreditation status. The polytechnic is also recognized globally and some of its programs like Accountancy, Computer Science, Mass Communication, and others have been granted international accreditation.
Schools and Programs Offered at Plateau State Polytechnic
The academic programs at Plateau State Polytechnic are run under different schools comprising departments and units. The major schools at the polytechnic are:
1. School of Administration and Business
The School of Administration and Business offers ND and HND programs in management and social science-related disciplines. Some of the popular courses under this school include:
- Accountancy: This program equips students with accounting knowledge and skills for careers in financial services, taxation, auditing, and consulting. Both ND and HND are offered.
- Business Administration and Management: Students are trained on core management principles and techniques. Graduates can work in both private and public sector organizations.
- Public Administration: The program focuses on public sector management, government policies, and administrative procedures.
- Marketing: Students gain marketing skills covering areas like sales, advertising, market research, consumer behavior, and more.
- Office Technology and Management: This equip students with skills for office administration, secretarial duties, and records management.
2. School of Science and Technology
This school houses programs in engineering, sciences, and technology fields. The major courses offered include:
- Computer Science: Students are groomed in software development, networking, database management, cybersecurity, and other areas of computing. ND and HND programs are run.
- Computer Engineering: The program provides training in hardware and software aspects of computing systems. Graduates can work on designing, maintaining and supporting computer systems.
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering: Students are equipped with skills in electrical systems design, electronics, instrumentation, control systems, and power systems.
- Mechanical Engineering Technology: This covers areas like machine design, thermodynamics, control engineering, manufacturing processes, and workshop technology.
- Agricultural Engineering Technology: The program focuses on applying engineering principles to agriculture. This includes farm machinery, equipment, processing technology, irrigation, and more.
- Food Technology: Students learn about food processing, preservation, packaging, quality analysis, and related aspects. HND Food Technology is offered.
- Science Laboratory Technology: This provides training in biological and chemical laboratory tests, Quality Control (QC) processes, safety procedures, and analytical techniques.
- Building Technology: Students are equipped with knowledge in building and construction areas like surveying, architecture, estimating, project management, among others.
3. School of General Studies
This school runs preliminary diploma programs to prepare students for further degree courses. The diploma programs offered include:
- Diploma in Library and Information Science: This is a 1-year diploma program covering areas like cataloguing, classification, indexing, abstracting, and library management.
- Diploma in Psychology: The 1-year program provides an overview of human psychology, psychological testing, child development, social psychology, and more.
- Diploma in Law: This is a remedial program for students seeking admission into degree programs in Law or related disciplines. It covers an overview of legal principles, court procedures, ethics, and more.
Details of Key Programs Offered at the Polytechnic
Here is a detailed overview of some of the popular programs offered at Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin-Ladi:
National Diploma (ND) in Accountancy
- Duration: 2 years
- Entry Requirement: SSCE/GCE O’ levels with credits in at least 5 subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Economics, and any other 2 subjects.
- Job Prospects: Accountants, Tax Consultants, Auditors, Financial Analysts.
This program provides students with a strong foundation in financial accounting, cost accounting, taxation, auditing, and accounting information systems. Students take courses in financial reporting, budgeting, banking, commercial law, and other relevant areas. The curriculum covers both theoretical learning and hands-on practical sessions.
With the ND Accountancy certificate, graduates can work in banking, manufacturing, oil and gas, and other sectors. They can also proceed to the HND program and later pursue a B.Sc. Accounting degree. The program is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication
- Duration: 2 years
- Entry Requirement: ND Mass Communication or related field.
- Job Prospects: Journalists, Broadcasters, Public Relations Officers, Social Media Managers, Content Developers.
This program provides advanced knowledge and skills in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, media research and other areas. Students take courses in news writing and reporting, photojournalism, broadcast media, PR writing, marketing communications, and multimedia production.
The program incorporates current digital media trends into the curriculum, equipping graduates with relevant skills for new media roles. An internship is also required to gain practical work experience. Graduates can work in media houses, PR agencies, advertising firms and corporate communication departments.
The HND Mass Communication program is accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
National Diploma (ND) in Computer Science
- Duration: 2 years
- Entry Requirement: SSCE/GCE O’levels with credits in 5 subjects including English, Mathematics, Physics and any other 2 subjects.
- Job Prospects: Software Developers, Web Developers, Game Developers, Database Administrators.
This program provides technical training in computing and software development. Students take courses in programming languages like Java, C++, Python, software engineering, algorithms and data structures, operating systems, artificial intelligence, and database management.
Practical sessions involve developing real-world software applications, mobile apps and websites. Final year students undertake an industrial attachment program to gain hands-on work experience. With the ND, graduates can work as programmers, testers, developers, IT support professionals and continue to HND level.
The curriculum is frequently updated to match latest industry trends and prepare work-ready software engineering graduates. The program is fully accredited by NBTE.
HND Metallurgical Engineering Technology
- Duration: 2 years
- Entry Requirement: ND in Metallurgical Engineering or related engineering field
- Job Prospects: Metallurgists, Material Engineers, Quality Control Roles.
This program provides advanced engineering training in metals extraction, design, processing, testing and analysis. Students take courses in extractive metallurgy, physical metallurgy, mechanical metallurgy, corrosion prevention, welding, mine surveying, mineral analysis, and project management.
Extensive lab work exposes students to equipment such as metallographic microscopes, spectrometers, mechanical testing machines, mineral processors, and furnaces. An industrial attachment is also required.
Graduates can work in mining companies, foundries, manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, and consulting. The program is accredited by COREN and aligns with global best practices in metallurgical engineering. Prospective students must have strong interests in engineering, science, and analytical skills.
ND Hospitality Management
- Duration: 2 years
- Entry Requirement: SSCE/GCE O’levels with credits in 5 subjects including English and Mathematics
- Job Prospects: Hotel Managers, Event Planners, Restaurant Managers, Tourism Officers.
This program equips students with broad skills in the hospitality sector covering hotel management, catering, tourism, events planning and other areas. Students take courses in accommodation operations, food and beverage management, customer service, tourism development, hospitality marketing, and hospitality law/regulations.
The tailored curriculum incorporates hands-on practical learning at the polytechnic’s on-campus hotel. Students also undergo industrial training at leading hotels to gain first-hand work experience. Graduates can work in hotels, restaurants, resorts, travel agencies, event management firms, and other hospitality companies.
The program has full accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the regulatory body, Institute of Hospitality Professionals of Nigeria (IHPFN).
Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi Requirements.
The polytechnic aims to provide high quality technical and professional education to students from Nigeria and beyond. Admission is competitive and slots are limited across the different departments. The polytechnic admits students once a year for the new academic session which usually commences in October.
General Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission into any program at Plateau State Polytechnic, an applicant must:
- Be at least 16 years of age before commencement of academic year.
- Have a minimum of 5 credit passes in relevant subjects at WASSCE/SSCE/GCE O’Levels or equivalent. Passes must include English and Mathematics.
- Meet any additional requirements for chosen program e.g. entrance exams.
- Be certified to be of good conduct.
- Be free of any contagious or terminal diseases.
- Participate in the screening exercise organized by the polytechnic.
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. Apart from qualification, other factors like available spaces, gender, catchment area may be considered during selection process.
Priority is given to applicants from Plateau State but admission opportunities are also open to qualified candidates from other states.
Admission Requirements for ND Programs
For National Diploma (ND) programs, the entry requirements are:
Academic Qualification
- Minimum of 5 credit passes at SSCE/GCE O’ Level/NECO or equivalent, obtained in not more than two sittings.
- Passes must include English Language and Mathematics plus three other subjects relevant to the proposed program.
- Applicants with a pass in Literature in English are required to also have a credit in English language.
Some programs like ND Accountancy may require credit passes in specific subjects like Economics, Commerce, and Government. Applicants should confirm requirements for their desired program from the polytechnic website or student handbook.
Age
Applicants must be at least 16 years old to be eligible to apply for ND programs. There is no upper age limit.
Entrance Examination
- All applicants must have a pass in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by JAMB for the admission year.
- They are also expected to participate in the Post-UTME screening exercise conducted by the polytechnic. Dates are communicated on the official website.
Others
- Meet the health and moral conduct requirements highlighted in the general admission criteria.
- Provide a recommendation letter from a reputable public figure in support of application.
Admission Requirements for HND Programs
For Higher National Diploma (HND) programs, the entry requirements are:
Academic Qualification
- Applicants must have successfully completed the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or National Diploma (ND) in the relevant course from a recognized polytechnic or college of technology.
- Minimum CGPA of 2.00 on a 5-point scale or lower credit.
- Some departments may require credit passes in specified O’Level subjects for HND admission.
Age
No age restrictions. Both fresh ND graduates and working professionals are eligible to apply.
Others
- Meet the health, conduct and screening requirements.
- Provide ND statement of result and NYSC discharge certificate (for those who have completed service).
- Applicants with higher CGPA and relevant work experience may have an added advantage.
How to Apply for Admission
To apply for admission into Plateau State Polytechnic, follow these key steps:
Step 1: Create an Account and Generate Application Reference Number
- Visit the polytechnic’s portal at https://plapoly.org/ and create an applicant account.
- Provide your valid email address, and generate an application reference number after completing registration.
Step 2: Pay Application Fee
- Pay the application fee as specified on the portal using the generated application reference number.
Step 3: Complete Online Application Form
- Login to your account and fill the online application form.
- Provide accurate details including personal information, academic qualifications, program of interest, sponsorship information etc.
- Upload scanned copies of supporting documents like O’Level results, ND statement of result etc.
Step 4: Print Completed Form and Attend Screening
- Print completed form endorsed with application reference number and bring to the screening exercise.
- Attend the mandatory Post-UTME/HND screening exercise on the scheduled date.
Step 5: Follow Up on Admission Status
- Follow up online or check admission notice boards for names of successful candidates.
- Proceed to accept offer, pay required fees and register courses to confirm admission.
Important Admission Dates & Deadlines
- Sale of Application Forms: April – July
- Screening Exercise: August/September
- Release of Admission List: October
- Payment of Acceptance Fee: After admission list release
- Commencement of Academic Session: October
Applicants should ensure they obtain accurate information on the latest admission dates and application schedule from the polytechnic. Meeting deadlines for form submission, screening and acceptance fee payment is crucial.
Conclusion
Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi offers quality technical and professional education across diverse fields. Students are equipped with job-relevant skills through practice-oriented training methods delivered by experienced faculty.
The polytechnic has invested in developing state-of-the-art facilities, improving teaching standards, and updating program curricula in line with industry needs. By studying at the polytechnic, students can gain the knowledge and competencies to succeed in their chosen careers in Nigeria’s development.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plateau State Polytechnic
How do I apply for admission at Plateau State Polytechnic?
To apply for admission, visit the polytechnic’s website or admissions office to obtain an application form. Complete the form providing your bio-data, academic qualifications, and program of interest. Attach required documents like SSCE/O’level results, birth certificate, etc. Submit the application before the deadline along with the application fee. Admission is competitive so it is advised to apply early.
What are the entry requirements for courses at the polytechnic?
Entry requirements vary across different programs but generally you need a minimum of 5 credit passes in SSCE/NECO/GCE O’levels including English, Mathematics, and other relevant subjects, depending on your program of choice. Some programs also require a pass in JAMB UTME examination.
Is Plateau State Polytechnic accredited?
Yes, Plateau State Polytechnic and all the programs offered have full accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Every five years, NBTE conducts re-accreditation evaluations to ensure standards are maintained. Some professional programs are also accredited by their respective regulatory bodies.
What facilities are available at Plateau State Polytechnic?
The polytechnic has well-equipped engineering workshops, computer labs, science laboratories, e-libraries, skills acquisition centers, commercial farm, and other facilities to support teaching and learning. Sports and recreational facilities are also available. The polytechnic has on-campus accommodation but limited, so many students reside off-campus.
Does the polytechnic provide job placement support for graduates?
Yes, the polytechnic has a Career Guidance and Placement Centre that links final year students to job and internship opportunities. They also provide career counselling, CV review and interview preparation support. Students can visit the Centre to access recruitment information and upcoming job fairs, workshops etc. This helps ease the transition from the polytechnic to the world of work.