How to Cross From Polytechnic/College to University

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In Nigeria, just like in many other countries across Africa, students often wonder if they can make the leap from polytechnics to universities. And guess what? The same curiosity extends to those in colleges of education – can they also jump to universities?

Well, consider this post your go-to guide! Whether you're currently in a polytechnic or a college of education, if you're eyeing a university journey, you're in the right place. This guide breaks it all down – the 'where,' 'how,' and even the 'when' of whether this is possible. 

Picture this: you're a student with aspirations as high as the sky, and you're eager to take your education to the next level. You might be studying hands-on skills at a polytechnic or honing the art of teaching at a college of education. 

But deep down, you're considering the academic expanse that a university offers. Can you bridge the gap between these institutions? Absolutely!

Let's dive in and unravel the possibilities!

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Crossing to a University and Switching isn't the Same

You'll love to know the difference between crossing and switching to universities before we ride on fully to this topic.

If you cross to a university from a polytechnic or college of education, it means, probably after finishing your National Diploma (ND)/Higher National Diploma (HND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).

In this case, the decision to leave the former institution comes after completing the entire studies.

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However, switching means leaving your polytechnic or college even before you complete the program - perhaps at ND 1, HND 1, or NCE 100 level. In order words, you're considering not going on with your present program but moving into a university.

In this case, the decision to change to a university is premature. But is it possible?

Now let's answer all the possible questions.

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Crossing to Universities Through Direct Entry Application

This method of moving from a polytechnic or college of education into a university is possible only after you've completed your ND or NCE. Here, after the first  2 years or 3 years in poly or college respectively, you can obtain a direct entry form to cross to university. HND holders can equally do the same or where preferred, consider HND to BSC conversion programs.

To obtain DE form, you must have your former result or certificate handy or be awaiting it - but with the program completed. Then, obtain the JAMB Direct entry form just at the same time students seeking admission through JAMB UTME are also applying. In order words, UTME and DE forms are usually on sale at the same time and close on the same date.

While filling up the form, you have the option to choose two universities of interest. Although, you have a better chance with the first institution as no university is accepting the second choice these days, especially for Direct entry admissions.

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After this, you're to obtain the post-DE form of that university when it's on sale - usually when they're selling post-UTME. If the university conducts entrance exams and/or screening, you must take part.

If all was well done and requirements met, you'd be offered a 200-level admission into your proposed course. Note that such a course has to be the same as you did while in the polytechnic or college or most related one.

With this, it's still possible to change disciplines as ND/HND holders can change to education courses while NCE holders can change to non-education courses. However, that is limited to a few universities. See the links below for the list.

1. 16 University Education Courses You Can Do with HND
2. Universities That Accept HND/BSC into 300 Level Direct Entry (DE)

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Switching to Universities From Polytechnics or College is Impossible

Let's say you're in the 100 level of your polytechnic course or NCE program, can you switch to a university and continue to the 200 level? NO! But to switch to the 100-level, is it possible? NO!

Let me explain.

There is no means to move from a polytechnic or college at ND 1 or 100 level. No form or modality officially allows students from these institutions to switch to the universities of their choice.

Such an opportunity is only available to university students trying to switch from their present schools to other universities. Yes, a student from ABU can switch to LAUTECH through what is called inter-university transfer admission.

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Here, a candidate will obtain a transfer form from the intended university and leave his present school. In most cases, he can be admitted to the same academic course/level he was at the former university.

However, this arrangement is not allowed for candidates in polytechnic or college of education. In fact, you can't be transferred from one polytechnic to another polytechnic or college to college. At least not yet, except your polytechnic is running dual award programs at the Federal Polytechnic Ede.

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HND Holders Can Cross to Universities with Top-Up Degree

After completing your Higher National Diploma (HND), you can opt-in for the same or related university course as detailed earlier - through the direct entry application. More so, you can take advantage of HND/BSC conversion programs at various universities, at home, or abroad. 

Here, your basic requirement is the HND certificate and NYSC. These universities upgrade HND to a Degree (i.e. BSC, B.Ed., B.Eng., etc.) within 1 or 2 years of part-time or distance learning arrangement.

When completed, you'll be awarded a university degree of the registered course - usually the same as HND or related.

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Crossing to Universities with Distance Learning and Part-Time

While OND, NCE, or HND was already held, it's possible to cross to a university through what's called the Distance Learning Degree program. Under this arrangement, you're to obtain the school direct entry admission form for the program. This time, it's not JAMB DE.

Although, JAMB is now instructing candidates seeking admission through Distance Learning and Part-time course to equally register with the board. This, of course, is a mere education arrangement rather than making the decision of whether to be offered admission or not.

To cross to a university, with HND, ND, or NCE through DLC or Part-time centers of an institution, you may be subjected to an entrance test or interview. And in most cases, what it requires is just to obtain the form.

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Such a program may be conducted during the weekends, on the same institution's campus, or at a study center. A related program is the sandwich courses for majorly NCE holders.

Below is the list of some universities running distance learning, sandwich, and part-time programs for undergraduates.

1. National Open University of Nigeria
2. Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso
3. University of Ibadan
4. University of Abuja
5. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
6. Osun State University
7. Ekiti State University
8. University of Ilorin
9. Lagos State University
10. National Teachers Institute Kaduna

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Conclusion

We can at this end conclude that to cross from a polytechnic or college of education to a university is very possible using any of the channels detailed in this post.

However, the only way to switch from the first level of HND, ND, or NCE to a university is if you quit the program and chase university admission again through UTME or DE.

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