The Federal Government has reiterated that tuition and all approved fees in Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) across the country remain free, warning principals and administrators against imposing unauthorized charges on students.In a statement issued on Wednesday and released via the Ministry of Education’s official X handle on Thursday, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized the government’s full commitment to funding technical education nationwide to ensure equal access for all Nigerian children.Dr. Alausa stressed that no administrator is permitted to demand extra payments from parents or guardians, noting that circulars have been dispatched to all Federal Technical Colleges to reinforce the directive.
The Minister highlighted that government funding covers approved expenses including boarding, uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, prospectuses, ID cards, stationery, clubs and societies, medical services, vocational training, utilities, security, websites/e-result, Skool Media, extra lessons, and insurance.“Parents are urged to report any illegal financial demands directly to the Ministry through hotlines 0803 657 6733 and 0803 637 3796, or via email at tse@education.gov.ng,” the statement read.
Dr. Alausa, however, clarified that while tuition and other core expenses are fully covered, boarding students are still required to provide some personal items such as toiletries, beddings, and clothing. He further noted that each boarding student is expected to present basic items including white bed sheets, pillowcases, cutlasses, hoes, rain boots, buckets, bathing soap, and one ream of A4 paper for registration.He described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a pathway to human capital development and national competitiveness.“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,” Dr. Alausa affirmed.
The Ministry also assured that strict monitoring mechanisms are in place to address any infractions promptly, while urging all stakeholders to safeguard the free-education policy and support Federal Technical Colleges in producing skilled graduates for national transformation.
