By Muhammad Baqir
The Federal Government has announced a comprehensive tuition-free education policy for all Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) nationwide, covering tuition, boarding fees, and essential academic materials as part of its push for accessible technical education.
In a statement issued Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Education’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the government detailed that the policy extends to uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, identity cards, stationery, medical services, vocational tools, and other approved charges.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa warned that no school administrator is permitted to demand unauthorized payments, urging parents to report violations through dedicated hotlines (08036576733, 08036373796) and email ([email protected]).
“This initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a pathway to human capital development. No Nigerian child should be denied access to technical education because of illegal charges,” Dr. Alausa stated.
While the government will cover all academic and boarding essentials, students are expected to provide personal items such as Sunday/Jumat wears, bathroom slippers, bedding, and a ream of A4 paper for registration.
The Minister has directed that circulars reinforcing the policy be sent to all FTCs and parents, with monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure compliance. The move aims to equip youth with employable skills and strengthen national competitiveness through technical education.