The Federal Government has made technical college education free for Nigerian students, covering tuition, housing, food, and a ₦22,500 monthly stipend. This move aims to draw more young people into hands-on careers. Read on for how it works and what’s next.
The Federal Government has scrapped school fees for students attending public technical colleges across Nigeria. That’s not all. Students will also get free accommodation, food, and a monthly ₦22,500 stipend.
This was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, during the launch of a new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plan. It’s a big push to get more young people into practical, job-ready training.
Why It Matters
There’s a reason for this shift. Too many young Nigerians finish school without the skills needed to find decent jobs. The government says that’s about to change.
The new TVET programme is built to tackle that problem head-on. It’s meant to train young people in useful, hands-on trades like carpentry, plumbing, tech repair, and more. The goal? Equip five million Nigerians with real-world skills by 2030.
Alausa said the scheme is open to both federal and state-owned technical schools. Registration will soon go live through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund portal.
A Focus on Skills, Not Just Certificates
This isn’t just about handing out certificates. It’s about preparing people for the real world. The programme is tied to a national skills framework that focuses on what employers actually want.
And it’s not all government talk. Over 3,600 teachers and trainers have already been retrained. Both public and private training centres are getting approved to make sure standards are met.
The government is also offering support beyond school. There’ll be small business loans, grants, and starter kits for those ready to work for themselves. This way, students can move from classrooms to workshops without hitting a wall.
Breaking the Stigma
For too long, technical and vocational schools have been seen as a second choice. That needs to change, says Alausa.
He wants parents, young people, and employers to view TVET as a solid, first-choice path. One that leads not only to jobs, but to pride, independence, and purpose.
“We’re not just rolling out another plan,” he said. “We’re building a system that helps our youth turn talent into tools for success.”
What Comes Next?
The Ministry of Education is working with state governors, schools, businesses, and international partners to keep things moving. They’re making sure every level of society plays a part.
With over 70% of Nigeria’s population under 30, the clock is ticking. This plan aims to turn that energy into something real. Whether that works depends not just on the government but on all of us.
It’s early days, but this step might just be what thousands of young Nigerians need to build a better future—with their hands, not just their hopes
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