Which polytechnics accept D7 in English Language in Nigeria, How about E8? See the full list of polytechnics, the ND courses that allow a pass grade in English, and what to check before you apply.
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Yes — a number of Nigerian polytechnics accept D7 in English (D7 or E8) for specific ND programmes, mostly technical, engineering and science-based courses.
This is different from what you’ll find at most universities. If you have D7 or E8 in English and a university course requires a credit, that grade will not be accepted. But several polytechnics have listed English as a “pass” requirement — not a credit requirement — for selected courses. This does not apply to every course or every polytechnic, so you still need to check the exact requirement for the course you want.
Is D7 or E8 a Fail in English?
No. D7 and E8 are pass grades, not fail grades — F9 is the fail grade. The difference that matters for admission is between a “pass” and a “credit.” C6 and above are credits; D7 and E8 are passes below credit level.
| Grade | Meaning | Credit? |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Excellent | Yes |
| B2 | Very Good | Yes |
| B3 | Good | Yes |
| C4 | Credit | Yes |
| C5 | Credit | Yes |
| C6 | Credit | Yes |
| D7 | Pass | No |
| E8 | Pass | No |
| F9 | Fail | No |
Why Do Some Polytechnics Accept D7 in English?
Polytechnics run National Diploma (ND) admissions independently, using requirements approved by their own academic boards within NBTE (National Board for Technical Education) guidelines — this is different from the joint UTME-based system universities use. Because of this, some polytechnics classify English Language as a “pass” subject rather than a “credit” subject for certain technical and science-based ND programmes, on the reasoning that practical, calculation-heavy courses lean more on Mathematics and the relevant science subjects than on English.
This is a course-by-course decision, not a whole-school policy. The same polytechnic that accepts a pass in English for Mechanical Engineering Technology may still require a credit in English for Mass Communication or Business Administration. And because this is decided at the institution level, a polytechnic’s management can review or withdraw this allowance at any time — so a course that accepted D7 or E8 last session is not guaranteed to do so again.
List of Polytechnics Accept D7 in English or E8
Based on published admission requirements for selected ND programmes, these polytechnics have accepted a pass (D7 or E8) in English Language for the courses listed beside them. This is not exhaustive, and the specific courses can change from one admission session to the next.
| Polytechnic | Courses That Accept a Pass in English |
|---|---|
| Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), Owo, Ondo State | Agricultural Technology, Agricultural Engineering Technology, Building Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, Food Technology, Forestry Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Polymer Technology, Quantity Surveying, Science Laboratory Technology, Statistics, Surveying and Geoinformatics, Urban and Regional Planning |
| Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State | Agricultural Engineering Technology, Building Technology, Computer Engineering, Fisheries Technology, Food Science Technology, Science Laboratory Technology |
| Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State | Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Polymer Technology, Quantity Surveying, Science Laboratory Technology, Statistics, Surveying and Geoinformatics |
| The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State | Agricultural Technology, Agricultural Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Statistics |
| Kaduna Polytechnic (KADPOLY) | Computer Science, Quantity Surveying |
| Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State | Computer Science |
| Nogak Polytechnic, Ikom, Cross River State | Computer Science |
| Akwa Ibom State College of Arts and Science (AKCAS) | Computer Science, Statistics |
| Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko, Benue State | Computer Engineering, Food Technology, Fisheries Technology, Quantity Surveying |
| Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia (OGUNPOLY) | Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Quantity Surveying, Statistics, Surveying and Geoinformatics |
| Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State | Computer Science, Forestry Technology |
| Federal School of Statistics, Manchok, Kaduna State | Computer Science, Statistics |
| Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State | Food Science Technology |
| Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Nasarawa State | Statistics |
| Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Victoria Island, Lagos | Computer Science |
Have D7 or E8 in English?
See universities and other schools where your result may still give you options.
What Kind of Courses Accept D7 or E8 in English?
Looking at the list above, a pattern shows up: the courses that accept a pass in English are mostly technical, engineering, science and agriculture-related ND programmes — courses such as Engineering Technology (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic, Computer, Polymer), Science Laboratory Technology, Statistics, Computer Science, Surveying and Geoinformatics, Quantity Surveying, Agricultural Technology, Food Science/Technology, Fisheries Technology and Forestry Technology.
You will rarely find this allowance for courses like Mass Communication, Business Administration, Public Administration, Office Technology and Management, or Banking and Finance — these tend to still require a credit in English at every polytechnic, because communication and writing skills are central to those fields.
Does D7 or E8 Work for Every Course at These Polytechnics?
No. Even at a polytechnic on this list, the pass-in-English allowance is tied to specific ND courses, not the whole institution. For example, RUGIPO accepts a pass in English for Mechanical Engineering Technology, but a course like Mass Communication or Business Administration at the same polytechnic will typically still ask for a credit. So don’t assume that because your preferred polytechnic is on this list, every course there will accept your D7 or E8 — check the requirement for your specific course.
Can I Use D7 or E8 in English for HND Admission?
HND (Higher National Diploma) admission is generally stricter than ND admission. Most HND programmes require candidates to already hold an ND with a specified minimum grade in a related field, and the O’Level requirement — including English — is usually assessed at the point of ND admission, not repeated at HND level in the same way. If you plan to progress from ND to HND, focus first on meeting your ND course’s requirement; you can also consider rewriting English during your ND programme if you want to strengthen your result for future opportunities such as further studies or NYSC-related documentation.
Does My JAMB/UTME Score Still Matter?
Yes. A pass in English for O’Level purposes does not remove the need to meet the polytechnic’s UTME cut-off mark or, where applicable, its Direct Entry or screening requirements. Polytechnics conduct their own post-UTME or departmental screening, and admission is competitive — so a good JAMB score, complete documentation and meeting the O’Level subject combination all still matter. A pass in English simply means that specific subject will not disqualify you where the course allows it.
Checking Your Admission Chances?
See the latest cut-off marks before deciding where to apply.
What Should I Do If I Have D7 or E8 in English?
Start by identifying the exact ND course and polytechnic you want, then check that institution’s current admission requirement for that specific course — not just this list. If the course accepts a pass in English, confirm you still meet the other subject requirements, especially Mathematics and any required science subjects. If the course requires a credit and you only have D7 or E8, your safer options are to either choose a course/polytechnic combination that accepts a pass, or rewrite English and aim for C6 or better to widen your options across universities and polytechnics alike.
Looking at Universities Too?
Check universities where your WAEC or NECO result may still be useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do polytechnics in Nigeria accept D7 in English?
Some do, but only for specific ND courses — mainly engineering, science and technical programmes. It depends on the polytechnic and the course.
Do polytechnics accept E8 in English?
Yes, the same courses that accept D7 generally also accept E8, since both are pass grades below credit level.
Which polytechnic courses accept D7 or E8 in English?
Courses like Engineering Technology, Science Laboratory Technology, Statistics, Computer Science/Engineering, Surveying and Geoinformatics, Agricultural Technology and Food/Fisheries Technology are the ones most commonly seen accepting a pass in English.
Is D7 a fail in WAEC or NECO?
No. D7 is a pass. F9 is the fail grade.
Can I use D7 in English for every course at a polytechnic that accepts it?
No. The allowance is course-specific. The same polytechnic may still require a credit in English for other courses like Mass Communication or Business Administration.
Does D7 in English affect HND admission?
HND admission is usually based on your ND result and related field, and English is mainly assessed at the point of ND admission. Check your specific HND programme’s requirement before applying.
Do these polytechnics still require a JAMB score if English is a pass?
Yes. A pass in English does not remove the need to meet the polytechnic’s UTME cut-off mark and screening requirements.
Should I rewrite English if I have D7 or E8?
If your preferred course requires a credit in English, or if you want more options across universities and polytechnics, rewriting English and aiming for C6 or better is the safer long-term option.