Nigeria has three levels of education: primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
Tertiary education in Nigeria refers to education that takes place in institutions such as universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
After completing secondary education, students who wish to continue their studies move on to tertiary institutions.
This stage is a very crucial stage in shaping students lives and preparing them to become professionals.
Tertiary institutions prepare students for specialized fields of study.
Types of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria
Universities
Universities are a type of tertiary institution that awards academic degrees in different programs and courses.
This institution offers a broader range of academic programs compared to other types of tertiary institutions. There are mainly three (3) types of universities in Nigeria; these are:
- Federal Universities—owned and managed by the federal government of Nigeria
- State universities — owned and managed by state governments in Nigeria.
- Private universities—These are privately owned universities.
Universities in Nigeria are regulated by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Polytechnics
This is a type of tertiary institution that focuses on practical, technical, and vocational training, offering diploma and degree programs in various fields.
Polytechnics in Nigeria are regulated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Colleges of Education
This is a type of tertiary institution primarily meant for training teachers. These institutions offer diploma and degree programs in education.
Colleges of Education in Nigeria are regulated by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
Difference between Polytechnic and College of Education in Nigeria
Focus of Education
Polytechnic: Polytechnics Focuses on providing practical, technical, and vocational education. It prepares students for careers in engineering, technology, business, and other technical fields.
College of Education: Colleges of Education Primarily focuses on training individuals to become teachers. It equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach at primary, secondary, or even tertiary levels.
Type of Programs
Polytechnic: Polytechnics offer both National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programs.
College of Education:Colleges of education offer National Certification in Education.
Duration of Study
Polytechnic:Polytechnic programs last for 2 to 4 years, depending on whether the student is pursuing a National Diploma (ND) or a Higher National Diploma (HND).
- National Diploma (2 years)
- Higher National Diploma (2 years)
College of Education: Colleges of Education Programs take 3 to 4 years, leading to a National Certificate in Education (NCE) or, in some cases, a Bachelor’s degree in Education when affiliated with a university.
Career Opportunities
Polytechnic: Polytechnic graduates can work in multidisciplinary industries such as engineering, technology, business, healthcare, education, etc.
College of Education: College of Education graduates can only work in the education sector as teachers in both primary and secondary schools.
Conclusion
In summary, polytechnics and colleges of education are not the same. Polytechnics focus on technical and professional fields and offer diploma programs (ND/HND), while colleges of education are tailored to teacher training, leading to the NCE or an education degree.
Both play important roles in Nigeria’s education system, but they serve different purposes and career outcomes.