By Gabriel Ameh
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child is denied access to quality technical education, declaring that all Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) nationwide are fully funded.
Under the policy, tuition is entirely free, while the government also covers approved charges such as boarding, uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, prospectus, ID cards, stationery, clubs and societies, medical services, vocational training, utilities, security, website/e-result services, Skool Media, extra lessons, and insurance.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, emphasized that principals and administrators are strictly prohibited from demanding unauthorized payments from parents or guardians. He directed that circulars reinforcing this directive be sent to all schools and parents, urging stakeholders to uphold the free-education policy.
Parents have also been encouraged to report any case of illegal levies through the Ministry’s dedicated channels:
Hotlines: 0803 657 6733, 0803 637 3796
Email: tse@education.gov.ng
While tuition and core school charges are fully funded, Dr. Alausa clarified that students, especially boarders, are expected to provide personal items such as bedding, toiletries, footwear, and basic clothing (see official list provided by the Ministry).
According to the Minister, this initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed 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 education today, we are building a stronger, self-reliant Nigeria,” Dr. Alausa said.
The Ministry assured that monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to swiftly address any infractions. Stakeholders—including parents, teachers, and administrators—are urged to protect the policy and ensure that Federal Technical Colleges continue to produce skilled graduates who will contribute to national transformation.
Personal Items Required for FTC Students
Students are expected to provide basic personal and boarding items such as Sunday/Jumat wear, bedsheets, slippers, pillow, mosquito net, toiletries, school shoes, cutlery, padlock, and simple cleaning materials (broom, hoe, and cutlass).
The Ministry stressed that aside from these personal effects, no other payments or demands are authorized.
Folasade Boriowo
Director, Press and Public Relations
