This study examined the collection development practices of academic libraries with particular focus on Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Library Unwana, Afikpo Ebonyi State Nigeria. The study answered five research questions that were derived from the objectives of the study. Related literature were reviewed in order to explore some facets in collection development practices. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 40 respondents consisting of 15 professional and 25 paraprofessional staff of the library. The instrument for data collection was questionnaires. However, all questionnaires were returned in usable form.  The data collected from the questionnaires were analyzed using simple statistics (mean). The real limit of numbers (means range) of the nominal value assigned to the scale point was used and decision was taken by comparing results with the real limit of numbers. Major findings of the study include that the library under study adopts written and policy review in collection development. Also the major methods adopted in collection development in the library under study are through purchase, the library under study carries out selection practices in implementation of collection development. Poor management of library votes by collection development unit, non-implementation of collection development policy, poor funding, lack of equipment and facilities, unavailability of standard bibliographies were revealed as challenges of collection development in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic library under study. Recommendations made include effective management of library votes by collection development unit, strict adherence to collection development policies, provision of necessary facilities that enhance the selection of library resources, and adequate funding of the library by the management to enable it build a balanced collection.