Overview of National Diploma Programs

National Diploma (ND) programs are skills-oriented higher education programs offered by polytechnics and similar post-secondary institutions in Nigeria. ND programs aim at producing graduates with technical skills and practical knowledge for employment in various sectors.

The duration of ND programs is typically 2 years split across 4 semesters. To be awarded an ND certificate, students have to complete the required courses, projects, and industrial training. ND holders can further pursue a Higher National Diploma (HND) which is a 1 or 2 year program.

At Westland Polytechnic, the ND programs are run across faculties like Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Studies, and Management Studies. The programs have been designed based on industry and employment requirements in Nigeria.

Courses Offered at Westland Polytechnic

Based on available information, the following National Diploma (ND) programs are offered across various departments at Westland Polytechnic currently:

Sciences

Science Laboratory Technology

This program focuses on training students in laboratory procedures, equipment usage, and safety. Students learn about environmental chemistry, biosensor technology, mobile app healthcare, and technical report writing. Graduates can find jobs in industries and research labs.

Statistics

Students are taught basic and applied concepts of statistics. They learn about data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Graduates can pursue careers in government and private organizations using techniques like predictive analytics and neural networks.

Computer Science

This program focuses on software development, networking, database management, and programming languages. Students learn coding, app development, website design and computer hardware skills. Graduates can work as programmers, web developers, systems analysts, and database administrators.

Food Science and Technology

Students learn about food processing, preservation, storage, quality control, and safety standards. They are trained on operating food processing equipment. Graduates can find employment in food manufacturing, packaging and beverage companies.

Home Economics

This program focuses on developing knowledge and skills related to foods, nutrition, home management, textile science, early childhood education, and family relationships. Graduates can work as home economists, nutritionists, teachers, and entrepreneurs.

Engineering

Electrical Electronics Engineering

Students are taught about electrical power systems, electronics, instrumentation and control, and telecommunications. They get hands-on training in power systems design, PLCs, and project execution. Graduates can find jobs in utility companies, electronics firms, and telecom companies.

Mechanical Engineering

Key topics covered include thermodynamics, engineering design, fluid mechanics, machine elements, manufacturing processes, and mechatronics. Students work on projects in areas like machine design, renewable energy, and automation. Graduates are employed in manufacturing plants, oil and gas firms, and as maintenance engineers.

Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering

Students learn about equipment design, agricultural production, post-harvest management, soil and water resources engineering, and environmental management. Graduates can work on farms, food processing units, irrigation departments, and agricultural input companies.

Civil Engineering

This program focuses on structural analysis, construction, project management, highways, hydraulics, environmental engineering and surveying. Graduates are equipped for careers with construction firms, government agencies, and engineering consultancies.

Computer Engineering

Students are taught skills in chip design, computer architecture, instrumentation, embedded systems, electronics, and networking. Graduates can work as system designers, test engineers, field support engineers, network administrators, and technical consultants.

Environmental Studies

Architecture

This program focuses on architectural design, building construction, project management, and urban planning. Students get hands-on training in design software like AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max etc. Graduates are employed as draughtsmen, architectural assistants, quantity surveyors etc.

Building Technology

Students learn about all aspects of building construction like materials, estimation, services, project management and safety. Graduates can work as site supervisors, construction superintendents, quantity surveyors, and facility managers.

Urban and Regional Planning

This program focuses on urban planning, transportation systems, community development, GIS, and environmental studies. Graduates are equipped to work in urban local bodies, real estate firms, architecture companies, and planning agencies.

Estate Management

Students learn about real estate valuation, investment analysis, feasibility studies, property management and marketing. Graduates are employed in property development firms, real estate consultancies, banking institutions and asset management companies.

Surveying and Geo-Informatics

This program covers topics like cadastral surveying, photogrammetry, GIS, remote sensing, and cartography. Graduates can find jobs with survey departments, oil and gas companies, GIS firms, and navigation product companies.

Management Studies

Accounting

Students are taught financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, auditing, and accounting software. Graduates can work as accountants, auditors, financial analysts, and tax professionals with banks, corporate firms, and accounting agencies.

Business Administration

This program focuses on core business skills like management, marketing, human resources, operations research, and entrepreneurship. Graduates are equipped for managerial roles in diverse industries and companies.

Public Administration

Students learn about concepts and principles involved in running public service organizations. Graduates can be employed in government agencies and NGOs handling administration, policy, and HR roles.

Purchasing and Supply

This program covers sourcing, procurement, inventory control, shipping, distribution, and supplier relationships. Graduates are employed as purchasing managers, supply chain analysts, and warehouse supervisors across various industries.

Cooperative Economics and Management

Students are taught the principles and processes involved in forming and running cooperative societies focusing on agriculture, credit unions, fisheries etc. Graduates are equipped to manage different types of cooperative enterprises.

Office Technology Management

This program focuses on developing administrative and office management skills like record keeping, word processing, accounting, communications, and secretarial procedures. Graduates can work as office administrators, secretaries, executive assistants etc.

Westland Polytechnic, Ilobu, Osun Requirements.

This article provides a detailed overview of the key admission requirements for Westland Polytechnic based on information from authoritative public sources.

O’Level Entry Requirements

The foundational entry requirement for all ND programs at Westland Polytechnic is a minimum of 5 credit passes in relevant subjects at the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by recognized examination bodies like WAEC, NECO, NABTEB etc.

The 5 credits must include:

English Language
Mathematics
And 3 other subjects relevant to the applicant’s intended ND program. For example, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Technical Drawing,Geography, Accounting etc.

Not more than 2 sittings are allowed for obtaining the credit passes. This demonstrates that prospective students have covered foundational subjects at the secondary education level to prepare them for diploma-level technical/vocational education.

Departmental Entry Requirements

In addition to the general O’level requirements, each department at Westland Polytechnic stipulates specific requirements for admission into their respective ND programs based on the discipline and course content.

Some examples of departmental requirements are:

ND Computer Science

5 Credits in SSCE/NECO/GCE including Mathematics, English, and Physics + UTME Subjects: Mathematics, English, Physics & Chemistry

ND Electrical Electronics Engineering

5 Credits in SSCE/NECO/GCE including Mathematics, English, Physics, and Chemistry + UTME Subjects: Mathematics, English, Physics & Chemistry

ND Estate Management

5 credits in SSCE/NECO/GCE including English, Mathematics, Economics, and any other 2 relevant subjects.

ND Mass Communication

5 credits in SSCE/NECO/GCE including English and any other 4 relevant subjects.

Therefore, aspiring students must ensure they have the specific O’level subject combination required for their intended program by the respective department. This demonstrates their proficiency in foundational subjects vital for the program.

UTME Requirements

Meeting the prescribed cut-off mark in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is also compulsory for admission into Westland Polytechnic. The UTME comprises objective tests in key subjects to assess candidates’ academic readiness.

The current UTME requirement for all ND programs at Westland Polytechnic is a minimum score of 120. Applicants have to score 120 and above in their UTME results to be eligible for admission.

Furthermore, for most programs, the UTME subjects will also be specified by the departments which align with the required SSCE/O’level subjects for the program. Passing the UTME with the right subject combination demonstrates that prospective students have covered the pre-requisite subjects.

Admission Process

Candidates who meet the admission requirements outlined above can proceed with the application process through the following steps:

Purchase application form from Westland Polytechnic or designated banks
Complete form accurately with required documents attached
Submit completed form to Admissions department before deadline
Take part in any entrance exams/interviews as scheduled by departments
If shortlisted, proceed with acceptance of admission and payment of fees
Undertake medical fitness exam at school
Proceed with final registration and commence academic activities

Candidates must ensure they follow the admission timelines and processes diligently to secure their enrollment into their desired program at Westland Polytechnic.

Conclusion

Westland Polytechnic offers a good mix of National Diploma programs across technology, sciences, engineering, environmental sciences, and management studies. These programs align with the technical and mid-level skills requirements of industries relevant to Nigeria’s economy.

Students get exposure to current technologies, industry practices, real-world projects and practical training at well-equipped labs during the programs. This equips them for employment not just in Osun state but also throughout Nigeria.

The diploma programs offered at Westland Polytechnic provide opportunities for students to build professional skills and kickstart their careers. Graduates can also further their education by pursuing advanced diplomas and degree courses in Nigeria or abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What types of programs does Westland Polytechnic offer?

Ans. Westland Polytechnic offers National Diploma (ND) programs in technology, sciences, engineering, environmental studies, and management.

Q2. What is the duration of ND programs at Westland Polytechnic?

Ans. The ND programs at Westland Polytechnic are typically 2 years comprising of 4 semesters of coursework and practicals.

Q3. Does Westland Polytechnic offer only technical programs?

Ans. No, along with engineering and technology, Westland Polytechnic also offers ND programs in management subjects like accounting, business administration etc.

Q4. Do students get industry exposure during ND programs?

Ans. Yes, students undergo internships and industrial training to get hands-on industry experience.

Q5. What areas do civil engineering students study at Westland Polytechnic?

Ans. The civil engineering ND program covers structural analysis, construction, highways, hydraulics, project management etc.

Q6. Where do food science graduates generally find jobs?

Ans. Food science graduates are employed in food processing, manufacturing, quality control and packaging roles across industries.

Q7. Does Westland Polytechnic offer architecture and surveying programs?

Ans. Yes, Westland Polytechnic offers ND programs in architecture and surveying & geo-informatics.

Q8. What roles can accounting ND graduates get hired for?

Ans. Accounting ND graduates can work as accountants, tax professionals, auditors, and financial analysts in public and private sector.

Westland Polytechnic, Ilobu, Osun Courses And Requirements.