Federal Govt announces free tuition, feeding, monthly allowance for Students
Federal Govt announces free tuition, feeding, monthly allowance for Students
The Federal Government has rolled out a comprehensive support package for students in federal and state technical colleges, offering free tuition, feeding, and accommodation under the revamped Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative.
As part of the scheme, each student will receive a monthly stipend of ₦22,500 to ease their financial burden and encourage wider enrollment in technical education.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Friday during the official launch of the TVET initiative in Abuja, themed “Advancing Skills, Empowering the Future.”
Dr. Alausa noted that Nigeria sees over 5.2 million secondary school graduates annually, but only about 1.8 million gain admission into higher institutions, leaving more than 3.4 million without clear post-secondary options.
“This programme is designed to address that gap by equipping young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant skills that can drive industrial growth and economic transformation,” the minister said.
He stated that over 7 million young people are expected to be trained under the initiative, which also includes post-training support such as starter kits and access to single digit loans through a partnership with the Bank of Industry.
The government will also cover the cost of training, certification, and internet connectivity, particularly for underserved communities, as part of its commitment to improving access and inclusivity.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, described TVET as the backbone of national development, with the potential to transform lives across all sectors — from agriculture to engineering.
“The skills developed through TVET are not just tools for employment; they are keys to dignity, empowerment, and national prosperity,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, urged the government to consider raising the stipend to reflect the national minimum wage.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) under the TVET plan represents a long term investment in the country’s workforce and global competitiveness.
