From Victor Osula, Abuja
The federal government has declared technical education fully free in all Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) across the country.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, who announced this in Abuja, said the free package includes tuition, boarding, uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, prospectus, ID cards, stationery, clubs and societies, medical services, vocational charges, utilities, security, website/e-result, Skool Media, extra lessons, and insurance.
“The government bears the full cost of tuition to guarantee equal access”, he said, warning that no principal or administrator is permitted to demand unauthorised payments from parents or guardians.
Alausa directed that circulars reinforcing this policy be sent to all schools and parents.
Parents were urged to report illegal demands directly to the Ministry through the hotline numbers 0803 657 6733 and 0803 637 3796, or by email at tse@education.gov.ng.
Alausa clarified that while core expenses are fully covered, boarding students are still expected to provide personal items.
He emphasised that the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s prioritisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a pathway to human capital development.
“By equipping youth with employable skills, the government seeks to strengthen national progress and competitiveness. No Nigerian child should be denied access to technical education because of illegal charges. By investing in education today, we are building a stronger, self-reliant Nigeria”, the minister said, adding that monitoring mechanisms are in place to swiftly address any infractions.
“Stakeholders are urged to safeguard the free-education policy and ensure Federal Technical Colleges fulfil their mandate of producing skilled graduates for national transformation”, he said.
