FG fully funds federal technical colleges, warns against illegal charges

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing free and accessible technical education by fully funding all Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) across Nigeria.

In a statement signed by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations, Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, emphasised that tuition at Federal Technical Colleges is completely free.

He added that the government also bears the cost of approved charges, including boarding, uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, prospectuses, ID cards, stationery, clubs and societies, medical, vocational, utilities, security, website/e-result, Skool Media, extra lessons, and insurance.

Alausa warned that no principal or administrator is permitted to demand unauthorised payments from parents or guardians. He directed that circulars reinforcing this policy be distributed to all schools and parents, while urging parents to report any illegal demands directly to the Ministry of Education through dedicated hotlines (0803 657 6733, 0803 637 3796) or email (tse@education.gov.ng).

The minister explained that while tuition and major expenses are fully covered by the government, students, particularly boarders, are expected to provide personal items such as bedding, toiletries, uniforms for religious activities, mosquito nets, and other essential supplies.

“This initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a pathway to human capital development. By equipping youth with employable skills, the government seeks to strengthen national progress and competitiveness.

“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,” Alausa stated

The statement also outlined personal items which include,
“PERSONAL ITEMS FOR TVET 1 STUDENTS
Sunday wear or Jumat wear (plus Scarf/Hijab)
1 pair of bathroom slippers, 1 blanket, 2 white bedsheets, 2 pillowcases, 1 bedspread (House colour)
1 pillowcase (House colour), 1 pillow
1 cover cloth, 1 towel, 4 underpants for girls/4 boxers for boys, 2 white under-skirts (for girls), Rain boots (optional),

“Rubber shoes, Raincoat/umbrella (optional), 2 brassieres (optional), 2 packets of sanitary towels (optional), Small head belt for boys, 1 plastic bucket, 2 pairs of socks, 1 treated mosquito net, Bathing soap, washing soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, detergent, Dettol, Torchlight and batteries, Mattress with mackintosh, 1 water bottle, 10-litre keg, Cutlery set, one plastic cup, flat stainless plate, and soup bowl, Padlock and School shoes,

“REGISTRATION ITEMS: 1 ream of A4 paper (80 grams), CLEANING MATERIALS, One hoe, One cutlass, One broom,”

The Ministry of Education assured that monitoring mechanisms are in place to promptly address any infractions.