The Nigerian Government has declared technical education completely free in all Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) across the country, covering tuition and a broad range of associated costs.
Minister of State for Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, made the announcement in Abuja, stating that the government will shoulder the entire financial burden in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to guarantee equal access to quality education.
According to him, the free package extends beyond tuition to include 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,” Alausa said, stressing that no principal or administrator is permitted to demand unauthorised payments from parents or guardians. He directed that circulars reinforcing the policy be circulated to all schools and parents nationwide.
Parents have been urged to report illegal charges directly to the Ministry of Education through dedicated hotlines ,0803 657 6733 and 0803 637 3796Â or by email at tse@education.gov.ng.
The Minister clarified that while core expenses are fully covered, boarding students are still expected to provide personal items.
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He emphasised that the initiative reflects President Tinubu’s prioritisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a driver of 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,” Alausa stated.
He added that monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to swiftly address infractions, urging stakeholders to safeguard the free-education policy and ensure FTCs deliver on their mandate of producing skilled graduates for national transformation.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to making technical education accessible and affordable for every Nigerian child.
