By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Nigeria Introduces Tuition-Free Education in Federal Technical Colleges
The Federal Government has approved tuition-free education in all Federal Science and Technical Colleges across Nigeria as part of efforts to expand access to technical and vocational training.
The policy, announced on Wednesday in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, eliminates tuition and several other charges.
Covered under the new scheme are boarding fees, uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, prospectus, identity cards, stationery, clubs and societies, medicals, vocational activities, utilities, security, website and e-result services, Skool Media, extra lessons, and insurance.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasised that no principal or administrator is authorised to demand payments outside the approved list.
Parents and guardians were urged to report cases of illegal levies through the ministry’s hotlines (08036576733, 08036373796) or via email (tse@education.gov.ng).
Circulars reinforcing the directive are to be issued to all Federal Technical Colleges to ensure compliance.
While tuition and related charges are fully absorbed, students are expected to provide certain personal items, including Sunday/Juma’at wears, bathroom slippers, blankets, bedsheets, pillowcases, towels, underwear, and a ream of A4 paper for registration, along with other personal and cleaning materials.
According to the minister, the decision reflects President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key driver of human capital development.
He noted that the initiative is designed to empower Nigerian youths with employable skills, strengthen the workforce, and boost the country’s competitiveness.
“No Nigerian child should miss out on technical education because of financial barriers. This initiative is a step towards building a self-reliant and prosperous nation,” Dr. Alausa said.
The Ministry of Education confirmed that monitoring structures have been put in place to ensure the policy is properly implemented and that any infractions will be addressed without delay.
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