Universities vs Polytechnics: Which One is Better/Higher? - SCHOOLCONTENTS.info

Universities vs Polytechnics: Which One is Better/Higher?

When my readers ask these kinds of questions, I smile. Those who think they know the right answer will jump to the conclusion that University is better or polytechnic is.

I’m not here to judge really. I will approach this question the same way I treated the “OND Vs NCE: Which One Is Higher? Which One To Go For?”.

You’re actually going to judge yourself whether to go for university or polytechnic. Then, I will give you my personal opinion.

I have to warn you upfront though. Whatever I say here is my personal opinion.

First, the basics…

In polytechnics, you will earn two awards:

  1. National Diploma: This is the first stage of polytechnic education. It’s a two-year programme if admitted through JAMB or daily part-time. A three-year programme if admitted for a regular Part-time. See the Difference Between DPT and FT Programmes?
  2. Higher National Diploma: This is the second stage of polytechnic education. You go for this after ND and one-year industrial Training (IT). It’s equivalent to BSC. It can also be in the form of a daily part-time or regular part-time course.

Whereas, BSC is usually a 4-year course starting from year one to the final year. Certain courses such as engineering, agriculture, and medicine can be 5 years or more. Read  Differences Among Nigerian Academic Qualifications/Awards.

Let’s see the advantages universities may have over polytechnics.

Universities May Be Better Than Polytechnic

Let’s see the downsides of polytechnic education here in Nigeria.

  1. More companies give higher recognition to BSC (degree) than HND. This will get clearer to you if you check the latest vacancies in our national dallies.
  2. BSC holders spend fewer years in all than HND with 5 years (together with IT). Though some courses in universities require more than 4 years e.g. Nursing, Medicine, Engineering, and Agriculture).
  3. Universities have more art courses than polytechnics. Polytechnics is a no-go if you want Law, English, Philosophy, Linguistics etc. I answered this in this post.
  4. Universities have more science/medical courses than polytechnics. No polytechnic offers the likes of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy etc.

Polytechnics May Be Better Than Universities

If we must be unbiased, we have to look at areas where polytechnics can be better than universities.

  1. Polytechnics are generally meant for engineering courses and are well-equipped for this. If you prefer engineering courses such as mechanical engineering, electrical and electronics engineering etc., your best chase should be polytechnics. Polytechnics are usually well-equipped for these courses.
  2. Polytechnics (ND) graduates can start working with the national diploma before proceeding to the Higher National Diploma (HND) level. Universities won’t be able to do the same until they complete their 4 or 5 years courses.
  3. Polytechnics seem to expose students to more practical experiences than universities. At the ND level, you go for SIWES and later IT – which gives you more practical exposure. University students only go for IT usually at the 300 level.
  4. Having enough practical experience encourages more polytechnic graduates to start their own businesses or firms after school. See 11 Courses to Study at University/College to Be Able to Start a Business.

Which One Should I Go For?

This is the point of your question in the first place.

With the comparison above, you should by now, be able to decide which one is better for you. As you can see, it’s all about you – what do you actually want?

If I must advise you, I will say go for a university education. This is my personal opinion.

Why?
  1. Like I told you earlier, companies here are giving more recognition to university graduates during employment than their polytechnic counterparts. Even the federal government that announced abolishing the dichotomy between the two qualifications still limits HND holders to level 14 in promotions unless additional qualifications are achieved before then. If all you want is to work for organizations, especially private ones, you should consider BSC over HND.
  2. Polytechnics can waste your time. If you have to go back for HND, it makes 5 years even for the same course at a university. By Maths, 2 years for ND, 1 year for IT, and 2 years for HND.
  3. If you decide to cross to a university after ND, you will still have to obtain the JAMB direct entry form. Whereas, admissions through direct entry usually favor ND holders with better grades like distinctions or upper credits. Can you guarantee that?

Conclusion

It’s hard to judge here. But I think I had done fairness in my advice on this. Kindly find the real light within you and make your decision thereon.

Have you heard something different from what you read here? Do you think you will go to a polytechnic or university in the end?

37 comments:

  1. Am still a secondary level but as for me university and polytechnics they are all good. But as for me when it's time to me are we likely go university.That is my radiology

    ReplyDelete
  2. What of if your nd performance is not that high can you still get the jamb direct entry form

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you can. However, you will have to look for a few universities accepting lower grade for your proposed course.

      Delete
  3. Those it mean, those attending polytechnic like me... Are wasting their time... Or are not going to get employed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Are you sure that's all you could deduce from the entire post?

      Delete
  4. What's the best choice for someone doing communication arts

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Polytechnics don't offer communication Arts. They offer Mass communication instead.

      Delete
  5. Can I go for SLT in poly and later process in university as nursing after ND certificate

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think any university is accepting SLT for Nursing. Read more through the link below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/06/can-i-study-nursing-in-university-with.html

      Delete
  6. poly technic gives people a better chance to learn the vital and deeper part of a course, so i will go for it

    ReplyDelete
  7. So the degree you get after studying in polytechnic is HND right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The qualification after completing the four year course at a polytechnic is called HND.

      Delete
  8. So please after you've gotten your HND can you proceed one more year in the university to get your degree

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No. Most universities will admit for Direct Entry with HND or top-up degree. And that at least will take 2 years. Read he post below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2018/06/top-up-degree-in-nigeria-and-abroad-all.html

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2021/01/top-up-degree-or-direct-entry-which-is.html

      Delete
  9. Where is better for me as a student that wants to be a mechanical engineer?

    ReplyDelete
  10. what if I want to study computer science

    ReplyDelete
  11. What if I want to go for electrical engineering

    ReplyDelete
  12. Is polytechnics good for architectural Engineering

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, very good. But if you value recognition, go to a university

      Delete
  13. Is polytechnic good for civil engineering

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it is very good. But if you have the requirements for the university, go for that instead.

      Delete
  14. Where is better for me as a student that wants to be a civil engineer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you have the right JAMB score, go to a university

      Delete
  15. I want to go for electrical engineering and I need you opinion on which among the two to focus

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you have the mark required, go to a university

      Delete
  16. And if I want to study mass communication?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you have the cut-off mark, go to a university

      Delete
  17. Can I do part time in civil engineering

    ReplyDelete
  18. Can I study SLT I'm Poly (ND) and them enter the University I'm pursuit for MLS

    ReplyDelete
  19. What about marketing can I go too polytechnic?

    ReplyDelete
  20. Is it a good opinion to go for ND in fed.poly and later cross to university. Computer science

    ReplyDelete
  21. Which institution is good for accounting education

    ReplyDelete
  22. Can I do direct entry to a university as a second class upper ( Elect /Elect).

    ReplyDelete

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