Tri-Border College of Health Technology Opens Admission, Targets Skills Gap in South-West Nigeria

IGBARA OKE, ONDO STATE – The College of Health Technology and Medical Sciences, Ipetu Ijesha, has opened admissions for its 2025/2026 National Diploma session, operating from its newly established permanent site along Ilawe Road, Igbara Oke, Ondo State.The institution, which sits at the tri-border of Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States, says the move is aimed at bringing accredited health and technology training closer to students in underserved rural and peri-urban communities.Accreditation and MandateThe college is accredited by the National Board for Technical Education , approved by the Federal Ministry of Education, and listed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board  for ND admissions.Originally established on 13 November 2018 as an Innovation Enterprise Institution, it migrated to ND-awarding status in December 2025 following NBTE’s review of its academic standards and facilities. “Our mandate is clear: produce skilled middle-level manpower that can step into hospitals, labs, ICT firms, and public service immediately after graduation,” said Provost Mrs. Asmau OYINLADE OLANIYI, ND, BSc, MSc. “Nigeria does not need more certificates alone. It needs more skilled hands.”Dignitaries and Traditional Authorities Back the VisionThe college said its growth has been supported by dignitaries, traditional authorities, and senior academics who share its commitment to skills-based education. Under the chairmanship of Prince Olaniyi Emmanuel Adegoke, the institution has received strong backing from community leaders across the tri-border area. Notably, His Royal Majesty Oba Francis Agbede, the Owa of Igbara Oke, has lent his support to the college’s vision of expanding access to quality health and technical education in Ondo State and beyond. Professors and educationists from universities in Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo have also endorsed the institution’s competency-based training model.“The support of His Royal Majesty, Owa of IGBARA OKE,  Oba Francis Agbede, alongside other traditional rulers and academic leaders, has been critical in positioning COHTEMS as a credible institution for the tri-border region,” the management stated.Programmes on OfferThe college is admitting students into 11 NBTE-accredited ND programmes across health, science, and management disciplines:Health & Medical Sciences1. Community Health Technology  2. Medical Laboratory Technology  3. Pharmacy Technician  4. Public Health Technology  5. Science Laboratory Technology  6. Health Information Management  7. Paramedics Technology  Applied Sciences & Management8. Mass Communication  9. Computer Science  10. Public Administration  11. Marketing  Training is structured around NBTE’s competency-based curriculum, with emphasis on clinical placements, laboratory practice, and industry partnerships.Access for Tri-Border StudentsLocated along Ilawe Road, Igbara Oke, the permanent site places the college within 30 minutes of major towns in Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States. The management says this reduces the cost and logistical burden for students who previously had to travel long distances for accredited training.“Students from the tri-border can now make COHTEMS their first choice without leaving the region,” the college stated.Admission Requirements and ScholarshipsCandidates require a minimum of five O’Level credits, including English and Mathematics, and a JAMB UTME score of 100 and above. Direct Entry admission is available for holders of NBTE Foundation Centre Certificates from approved centres.The college also announced limited scholarships for qualified applicants. Interested candidates are advised to apply early, as spaces are limited.Admissions Contact:  Website: http://www.cohtems.edu.ng  Phone: 09137441815Vision and PartnershipsThe college says it is committed to producing graduates who combine technical competence with professionalism and compassion. Its motto, “Health is Wealth,” reflects the focus on aligning skills training with Nigeria’s push toward Universal Health Coverage and national human capital development.The management has called on government agencies, hospitals, NGOs, and private health organisations to partner in expanding clinical placements and community health outreach.