FG Declares Free Education in Federal Technical Colleges

The Federal Government has approved tuition-free education for all students in Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) nationwide.

According to the Ministry of Education, the policy covers not only tuition but also charges such as boarding, uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, identity cards, prospectus, stationery, clubs and societies, medicals, utilities, security, e-results, Skool Media, extra lessons, and insurance.

A statement issued late Wednesday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, said the move aligns with government’s free-education policy and is designed to ensure FTCs deliver on their mandate of producing skilled manpower for Nigeria’s development.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, warned that principals or administrators are prohibited from demanding unauthorized fees from parents or guardians. Circulars have been dispatched to all FTCs reinforcing this directive. Parents are also urged to report illegal demands via the Ministry’s hotlines (08036576733, 08036373796) or email (tse@education.gov.ng).

Dr. Alausa emphasized that while core expenses are now fully covered, students in boarding schools must still provide personal items such as Sunday/Jumat wears, slippers, blankets, beddings, towels, underwear, cleaning materials, and a ream of A4 paper (80 grams) for registration.

He explained that the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a driver of human capital development.

“No Nigerian child should be denied access to technical education because of illegal charges. By investing in technical training today, we are equipping our youth with employable skills for a stronger, self-reliant Nigeria,” the Minister stated.

The Ministry also assured that monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to enforce compliance and address infractions swiftly.