The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has granted full accreditation and approval for thirty-three academic programmes at the Isa Mustapha Aqwai I Polytechnic, Lafia, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s mission to advance technical education in Nasarawa State.
This development was formally communicated in a letter dated April 8, 2025, addressed to the Polytechnic's Rector. The letter, signed by Dr. Fatima Umar, Director of the Polytechnic Programmes Department, on behalf of the NBTE Executive Secretary, confirmed that the newly approved programmes will commence from the 2025/2026 academic session.
Mukhtar Wakeel, Director of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol for the institution, announced the accreditation in a press release issued on Thursday in Lafia, the state capital.
He described the development as a "historic milestone" that will expand the Polytechnic's capacity for technical education, professional growth, and global competitiveness.
“This is a key testament to the institution’s steadfast commitment to enhancing science and engineering skills within Nigeria’s technical education landscape,” Wakeel said.
“IMAP is now positioned to become one of the five most competitive polytechnics in the country through a combination of professional expertise, collaboration, and a firm contribution to both national and international development.”
The NBTE team had earlier conducted a thorough accreditation and re-accreditation exercise at the Polytechnic in February, evaluating the quality and readiness of its facilities, curriculum, and staff.
Among the newly accredited National Diploma (ND) courses are Urban & Regional Planning, Estate Management & Valuation, Quantity Surveying, Accountancy, Local Government Studies, Business Administration and Management, Public Administration, Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Others include ND Institutional Administration, ND Computer Science, ND Science Laboratory Technology, ND Tourism Management Technology, HND Science Laboratory Technology (Biochemistry Option), and HND Library and Information Science.
The NBTE also approved the commencement of 17 new programmes, including ND Building Technology, ND Office Technology and Management, HND Social Development (Social Welfare Option), ND Computer Engineering Technology, ND Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology, ND Water Resources Engineering Technology, and ND Renewable Energy Engineering Technology.
Additional approvals were granted for ND Mechatronics Engineering Technology, HND Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology (Electronic/Telecommunications Option), HND Mechanical Engineering Technology (Manufacturing and Plant Options), HND Strategic Communication and Media Studies, ND Environmental Science and Management Technology, HND Software and Web Development, HND Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry and Environmental Biology Options), and ND Geological Technology.
With this broad spectrum of accredited and newly approved programmes, Isa Mustapha Aqwai I Polytechnic Lafia is set to attract more students and professionals, while positioning itself as a leading hub for technical and vocational training in Nigeria.