Anambra: Federal Polytechnic Oko Gets NBTE Approval to Offer ND in Artificial Intelligence

By Mokwugwo Solomon

OKO, Anambra State — Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has secured approval from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to offer the National Diploma (ND) programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) beginning from the 2026/2027 academic session.

The institution is among 22 additional tertiary institutions cleared by the NBTE to run the programme, marking a significant step towards expanding access to technology-driven education and equipping students with skills relevant to the evolving digital economy.

The approval was conveyed in a letter dated October 13, 2026, signed by the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, and addressed to the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Abuja.

According to the letter, each of the 22 approved institutions has an admission capacity of 80 students for the programme. Federal Polytechnic, Oko, appears as number 14 on the approved list.

The NBTE also requested JAMB to take the necessary steps to accommodate the newly approved institutions in the admission process for the ND Artificial Intelligence programme for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The approval is expected to broaden the academic opportunities available to prospective students at the Polytechnic while strengthening the institution’s capacity to deliver education in emerging areas of technology.

It also reflects the institution’s commitment to innovation and academic development under the leadership of its Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, whose administration has continued to pursue initiatives aimed at aligning academic programmes with emerging technological trends and workforce demands.

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly shaping sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, finance, education, manufacturing and information technology. The introduction of the programme at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, is therefore expected to provide students with an opportunity to acquire foundational knowledge and practical skills in a field with growing relevance to the global economy.

The development further positions the institution to contribute to the training of technology-oriented manpower needed to support Nigeria’s digital transformation and national development.

With the approval, prospective students seeking admission for the 2026/2027 academic session will have another opportunity to pursue formal training in Artificial Intelligence at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, subject to the institution’s admission procedures and applicable JAMB requirements.

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