FG Reaffirms Free Technical Education Policy: No Hidden Charges Allowed in Federal Technical Colleges
The Federal Government has once again made it clear: no Nigerian child should be denied access to technical education because of illegal or hidden charges.
The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, stressed that tuition and all approved charges in Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) are fully covered by the government. He warned principals and administrators against demanding unauthorised fees from parents, noting that violators will be sanctioned.
What the Free Education Covers
The government’s free education package is extensive. Parents are not expected to pay for:
- Boarding
- Uniforms
- Textbooks and exercise books
- Stationery, ID cards, and prospectus
- Clubs and societies
- Medical services
- Vocational needs
- Utilities and security
- Website and e-result services
- Skool Media
- Extra lessons
- Insurance
According to the minister, parents “are not to pay a kobo for these items.” Circulars are already being distributed to all schools to reinforce this directive.
Minister’s Warning to Schools
Dr. Alausa cautioned that any attempt by school authorities to impose extra charges is illegal. He urged parents and guardians to report such cases immediately to the Ministry of Education.
Hotlines: 0803 657 6733, 0803 637 3796
Email: [email protected]
What Students Should Provide Themselves
While core costs are covered, boarding students are expected to bring personal items. For new entrants (TVET 1 students), the required list includes:
- Religious wear (Sunday or Jumat dress with scarf/hijab)
- Bedding (blanket, cover cloth, towel, pillow, mattress with mackintosh)
- Footwear (slippers, rubber shoes, rain boots or raincoat – optional)
- Undergarments, socks, mosquito net, sanitary towels (for girls)
- Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, comb, detergent, disinfectant)
- Torchlight with batteries, water bottle, 10-litre keg
- Cutlery set, cup, plate, and bowl
- Padlock and school shoes
- One ream of A4 paper (80 grams) for registration
Though the list may appear long, it mostly consists of everyday personal items.
The Bigger Picture: Building Skills for the Future
This free education policy is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a driver of national development.
By equipping young Nigerians with practical skills, the government hopes to create a more self-reliant workforce capable of boosting the economy. Monitoring systems are already in place to ensure compliance with the no-fee directive.
As Dr. Alausa summed it up:
“No Nigerian child should be denied access to technical education because of illegal charges.”
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