Taraba State Polytechnic, located in Suntai and with campuses in Jalingo, is one of the most affordable state-owned polytechnics in Nigeria. The Polytechnic provides National Diplomas (ND) as well as High-Level National Diplomas (HND) and certificate programs in various faculties, comprising sciences, technology, management, and arts.
For the academic year 2025/2026, the school’s management has issued an updated manual to all new and returning students that outlines the tuition fees and acceptance fees for accommodation, as well as the official procedure for paying.
Overview of Fee Structure
The Taraba State Polytechnic school fees vary based on program type (ND or HND), level of study (fresh or returning), and the student’s status (indigene or non-indigene).
Estimated Fees for the 2025/2026 Session:
- Fresh ND/HND Students: ₦31,000 per session
- Returning Students: ₦25,000 – ₦30,000
- Acceptance Fee: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 (one-time payment)
- Departmental Fee: ₦3,000
- Hostel Accommodation: ₦8,000 per session
These fees cover tuition, registration, examination, ICT, library, and other academic charges.
Detailed Breakdown of School Fees
| Category | Programme / Level | Amount (₦) | What the Fees Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| ND1 (Fresh Students) | Full-Time | ₦31,000 | Tuition, registration, library, ICT, and exam fees |
| HND1 (Fresh Students) | Full-Time | ₦31,000 | Tuition, registration, and academic services |
| ND2 / HND2 (Returning Students) | All | ₦25,000 – ₦30,000 | Tuition and administrative costs |
| Acceptance Fee | Fresh Students | ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 | Non-refundable confirmation of admission |
| Departmental Fee | All Students | ₦3,000 | Faculty and departmental dues |
| Hostel Fee | Optional | ₦8,000 | On-campus accommodation per session |
Accommodation and Living Expenses
Taraba State Polytechnic provides affordable on-campus hostel facilities. However, spaces are limited, and early registration is advised.
- Hostel Fee: ₦8,000 per session (shared rooms).
- Off-Campus Accommodation: ₦60,000 – ₦100,000 annually, depending on location and comfort.
- Feeding and Personal Expenses: ₦50,000 – ₦80,000 per semester based on individual lifestyle.
Students are encouraged to budget wisely to cover books, transportation, and other personal needs.
Payment Guidelines
All payments must be made through the official school portal to avoid fraud or registration issues.
Steps to Pay School Fees:
- Visit the official school portal
- Log in with your application number (for freshers) or matric number (for returning students).
- Generate your payment invoice or Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR).
- Pay online using a debit card or at any approved commercial bank.
- Return to the portal to confirm payment and print your receipt.
- Ensure payment is made before the deadline to avoid late registration penalties.
Why Fees Differ
- Engineering and science programs require lab and workshop fees.
- Indigene students enjoy subsidized tuition compared to non-indigenes.
- Fresh students pay additional one-time charges (acceptance and matriculation).
- Hostel and departmental dues vary by faculty and location.
Budget Tips for Students
- Pay your acceptance fee immediately after admission to confirm your slot.
- Prioritize tuition, accommodation, and academic expenses in your budget.
- Consider shared housing or on-campus accommodation to reduce costs.
- Keep all receipts safe for clearance and verification.
- Avoid making payments through unofficial agents or third parties.
Summary of Key Fees
| Programme Type | New Students (₦) | Returning Students (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| ND Full-Time | 31,000 | 25,000 – 30,000 |
| HND Full-Time | 31,000 | 25,000 – 30,000 |
| Acceptance Fee | 5,000 – 10,000 | — |
| Hostel Fee | 8,000 | 8,000 |
Conclusion
The Taraba State Polytechnic remains one of Nigeria’s most affordable institutions for quality technical and vocational education.
For the 2025/2026 session, students should budget around ₦31,000–₦40,000 for tuition and other essential fees. Fresh students must also pay the ₦5,000–₦10,000 acceptance fee before registration.
Students are strongly advised to make all payments via the official school portal and verify amounts from their departments. With its low tuition, practical learning environment, and focus on skills development, Taraba State Polytechnic continues to provide excellent educational opportunities for Nigerian youths.