Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has announced that all Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) will revert to their original status as Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) from September 2025.
The decision aims to strengthen technical and vocational education across the country and better align it with current workforce demands.
Speaking during a meeting with principals of Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) in Abuja, the Minister emphasised that the change is more than nominal.
“This move goes beyond a name change. It represents a shift in our educational priorities—preparing students for an evolving workforce to reduce youth unemployment, create jobs, and support a technologically driven society,” he said.
Dr Alausa described the initiative as a strategic effort to equip young Nigerians with relevant industry skills in line with national economic development goals.
He also pledged tighter regulation of school admissions and closer collaboration with educators on the ground.
“We are going back to how things were 40 years ago, when our education system was strong. We’re working swiftly to restore that standard,” he noted.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to open dialogue with educators and school administrators, recognising their central role in the education sector.
“You are the ones in the field—teaching our students and identifying what must improve. Education authorities must not remain distant from reality. We will maintain close communication with you,” he added.
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Addressing the issue of overcrowding, Dr Alausa issued a clear directive that no unity college must exceed its enrolment capacity, warning of the dangers of classroom congestion.
“If anyone admits even one student above your allocated capacity, you will no longer be the principal the next day,” he warned.
He cited FSTC Yaba as an example, where over 3,800 students were enrolled despite inadequate infrastructure. Similarly, he mentioned that King’s College Lagos, originally built for fewer than 600 students, now accommodates nearly 2,500.
Dr Alausa further stated that political interference in school admissions would no longer be tolerated.
“If anyone claims to be a ‘minister’s candidate’, they are not mine,” he declared, urging principals to uphold admission protocols without yielding to external pressure.
He also stressed the importance of improving hygiene in schools, restructuring Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and resolving issues related to dual leadership structures in some institutions.
