The Federal Government has restated that education in all Federal Technical Colleges remains tuition-free, warning principals and school heads against placing unauthorized financial demands on students.
Reiterating its commitment, the government emphasized that it fully funds the running of FTCs across the country to guarantee access for every Nigerian child.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and shared through the Ministry of Education’s official X account on Thursday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, confirmed that tuition costs are borne entirely by the government to ensure inclusivity in technical education.
He cautioned that no administrator has the right to impose extra levies on parents or guardians, disclosing that circulars have already been dispatched to all colleges to reinforce the directive.
According to Alausa, the government has taken responsibility for all approved costs, including boarding, uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, prospectuses, identity cards, stationery, clubs and societies, medical services, vocational training, utilities, security, websites/e-results, Skool Media, extra lessons, and insurance.
“Parents are urged to report illegal demands directly to the Ministry. Reports can be made via hotlines 0803 657 6733 and 0803 637 3796, or email at [email protected],” the statement read.
The minister, however, clarified that boarding students will still be required to provide certain personal belongings such as toiletries, beddings, and clothing.
He explained that the policy is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies Technical and Vocational Education and Training as a cornerstone for human capital growth and national development.
“No Nigerian child should be denied access to technical education because of illegal charges. By investing in education, we are building a stronger, self-reliant Nigeria,” Alausa said.
The minister assured that monitoring frameworks have been established to promptly address any violations and urged stakeholders to support the free-education policy so that FTCs can continue producing skilled graduates vital for Nigeria’s transformation.
The ministry further listed the personal items expected from boarding students, including white bed sheets, pillowcases, cutlasses, hoes, rain boots, buckets, bathing soap, and other toiletries.
Each student must also present one ream of A4 paper for registration.
