Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana (formerly The Federal Polytechnic, Unwana – Afikpo) was established by Decree No.33 of 1979.
The Polytechnic effectively took off in November 1981 when the pioneer Rector late Engr. Dr. O. B. Epelle assumed duties at the temporary Office at Afikpo. Work then commenced on the rehabilitation of the Polytechnic’s temporary site at Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the then Imo State. At the same time, perimeter survey of the permanent site of the Institution at Unwana, in Afikpo Local Government Area commenced. On April 30, 1982, the Foundation Stone of the Polytechnic was laid at Unwana by the then Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Alex Ekwueme.
On May 27, 1982 the Institution admitted its first batch of 178 students for courses in Business Administration and Management, Secretarial studies, Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology. The Institution has since included Accountancy, Civil Engineering Technology and Science Laboratory Technology Departments. Other departments which included Computer Science, Pre ND Science, Food Technology, Ceramic Technology, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Building Technology, Quantity Surveying, Estate Management, Surveying and GeoInformatics Technology, Architectural Technology, Mathematics/Statistics, Agricultural Technology, Public Administration, Marketing and Pre ND Business Studies had since been accredited. Most of these departments run programmes in both National and Higher National Diploma Courses.
On September 25, 1982, the Polytechnic was officially declared open at a matriculation ceremony which marked the formal admission of the first batch of students. The student population has grown from 178 in 1981/82 to more than 5000 in 2010/2011 session.
On the 9th of June, 1987, the Polytechnic moved to its permanent site from where it operates now. Unwana the permanent home of the Institution is a town by the bank of the Cross River. Unwana people have a rich culture as well as a conducive environment for academic pursuits.
Unwana, P.M.B 1007, Afikpo, Ebonyi State