If you have a Higher National Diploma (HND) and want to convert it into a university degree, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) offers a well-known conversion programme in Rivers State.
This guide explains what you need to know for the 2026/2027 session, including who can apply, the cost, how to apply, and answers to common questions.
Contents
About Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE)
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) is in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the Rivers State Government founded it in 2009.
Although its name highlights education, IAUE offers a wide range of courses across different faculties.
The Centre for Continuing Education runs flexible programs like part-time degrees, weekend courses, and the HND to Degree Conversion Programme, which supports people who are working, have previous qualifications, or follow non-traditional study paths.
What Is the HND to Degree Conversion Programme?
The HND to Degree Conversion Programme lets HND holders upgrade their qualification to a university degree without starting a new four-year course.
IAUE’s Senate has approved this route, so qualified HND graduates can enter directly into the 400 Level of the right undergraduate programme for one academic year (two semesters).
After finishing the programme, successful candidates receive a full B.Sc., B.A., or B.degree in a course related to their original HND field.
This helps HND holders who feel limited by the difference between an HND and a degree, which can affect job opportunities and further study in Nigeria.
Is the IAUE HND to Degree Conversion Form for 2026/2027 Available?
IAUE has offered this conversion programme regularly in recent years, including the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 sessions, along with its other part-time and weekend programmes.
Applications for HND conversion usually open at the same time each year.
For the exact opening and closing dates for 2026/2027, check the official IAUE website (iaue.edu.ng), as dates may change each year.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the IAUE HND to Degree Conversion Programme, candidates generally need:
- A Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate from a recognised Polytechnic or accredited institution, in a discipline related to the intended conversion course.
- Alternatively, candidates may qualify through recognised professional accounting body certifications, for example, Fellowship status with ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria), ANAN (Association of National Accountants of Nigeria), or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), where the professional qualification is relevant to the intended programme.
- The HND (or professional qualification) must be in a course area that has a corresponding conversion pathway across IAUE’s participating faculties.
- Candidates should confirm that their specific HND discipline maps to an available conversion course, since not every polytechnic discipline necessarily has a matching university degree pathway at IAUE.
Faculties and Courses Covered
The conversion programme covers several IAUE faculties, with courses grouped into broad categories often called Faculties 1 to 6.
Check the course list for your chosen field to ensure your HND matches the degree pathway.
If your HND and intended degree do not match, we may not accept your application, even if your certificate is valid.
Programme Duration and Structure
- Duration: One academic year, split into two semesters
- Entry level: Direct admission into 400 Level of the relevant undergraduate programme
- Outcome: Award of a full B.Sc., B.A., or B.degree, depending on the specific discipline
This one-year programme is appealing because you use your HND training and previous coursework to finish just the final year needed for a full degree, instead of starting a new undergraduate course from the beginning.
How Much Does the Form Cost?
The HND to Degree Conversion admission form costs ₦25,000 (Twenty-Five Thousand Naira) and must be paid only through the official university portal.
IAUE has made it clear that you do not need an account number for this payment.
Make all payments through the university’s online portal, not by bank transfer to any personal or third-party account.
If someone asks you to pay to an account number instead of through the portal, consider it a warning sign.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
- Visit the official IAUE website (iaue.edu.ng) and locate the HND Conversion to Degree Programme application link, typically found under the Centre for Continuing Education section.
- Create an account on the registration portal using your personal details.
- Log in to the university portal with your newly created username and password.
- Complete payment of the ₦25,000 admission form fee through the portal’s designated payment process.
- Continue the registration process by filling in your academic history, HND certificate details, and intended conversion course.
- Upload required supporting documents, including your HND certificate/statement of result and any relevant professional qualification documents, where applicable.
- Review your application carefully before final submission, since incorrect course-matching details can affect your eligibility outcome.
- Submit your application and retain your confirmation details for reference.
Why Consider the HND to Degree Conversion Route?
- Faster path to a full degree compared to starting a four-year undergraduate programme from scratch; the one-year structure directly builds on your existing HND training.
- Improved eligibility for postgraduate studies and certain job classifications that specifically require a Bachelor’s degree rather than an HND.
- Recognition of professional certifications (ICAN, ANAN, ACCA) as an alternative entry route for candidates in accounting-related fields, broadening access beyond strictly polytechnic HND holders.
- Established, Senate-approved programme structure, rather than an informal or unaccredited “top-up” arrangement. IAUE’s Centre for Continuing Education has run this conversion pathway for several admission cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the IAUE HND to Degree Conversion Form for 2026/2027 currently on sale?
IAUE has consistently opened this programme’s applications across recent admission cycles, typically alongside its other continuing education intakes.
Confirm the current live status and exact 2026/2027 opening and closing dates directly on the official IAUE website.
What level am I admitted into through this conversion programme?
Successful candidates are admitted directly into 400 Level of the relevant undergraduate programme, rather than starting from 100 Level.
How long does the HND to Degree Conversion Programme take to complete?
The programme runs for one academic year, structured across two semesters.
How much does the conversion form cost?
₦25,000, payable strictly through the official university portal.
You don’t need an account number for this payment.
Can I apply with a professional accounting certification instead of an HND?
Yes, in accounting-related disciplines.
Fellowship status with recognised bodies like ICAN, ANAN, or ACCA can qualify candidates for the conversion pathway alongside standard HND holders.
Do all HND disciplines have a matching conversion course at IAUE?
Not necessarily.
Candidates should confirm their specific HND discipline maps to an available conversion course across IAUE’s participating faculties before applying.
What degree will I receive at the end of the programme?
Depending on your discipline, you’ll receive a B.Sc., B.A., or B.degree in the course area related to your original HND qualification.
Is this programme different from IAUE’s regular Part-time or Weekend degree programmes?
Yes.
While all three run under IAUE’s Centre for Continuing Education, the HND Conversion Programme is specifically designed for existing HND holders seeking direct entry into 400 Level, rather than a full multi-year part-time or weekend undergraduate track.
How do I apply for the programme?
Submit applications entirely online through the official IAUE portal: create an account, log in, pay the ₦25,000 fee through the portal, complete your registration details, and upload your supporting documents.
Is a minimum HND classification required (e.g., Lower Credit)?
Recent programme structures have generally expected candidates to hold at least a Lower Credit HND classification for eligibility.
However, you should confirm this for the current 2026/2027 cycle directly through the official portal, since minimum classification requirements can be reviewed each session.
Final Thoughts
The IAUE HND to Degree Conversion Programme is an efficient way to move from an HND to a full university degree in just one academic year, starting at 400 Level.
Make sure your HND matches a conversion course, prepare your documents early, and apply through the official IAUE portal.
Only pay through the portal, not to any outside account number.
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