In its bid to make technical education accessible to all Nigerian children, the Federal Government has announced tuition-free education in all Federal Technical College (FTC) across the country.
The government said this will cover other approved charges including boarding fee, uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, prospectus and identity cards.
Others are stationery, clubs and societies, medical, vocational, utilities, security, website/e-result, Skool Media, extra lessons, and insurance.
This, it explained, is in line with its free-education policy and ensure that Federal Technical Colleges fulfill their mandate of producing skilled graduates for national transformation.
A statement late Wednesday by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, urged parents to report illegal demands directly to the Ministry through: Hotline: 08036576733, 08036373796; email: [email protected].
The statement quoted the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as warning that no principal or administrator is permitted to demand unauthorized payments from parents or guardians.
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It noted that the Minister has also directed that circulars reinforcing this policy be sent to all Federal Technical Colleges and parents.
Dr. Alausa clarified that while tuition and core expenses are fully covered, students of Federal Technical Colleges, as boarders, are expected to provide their personal items.
“This initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes 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,” Dr. Alausa affirmed.
The Ministry confirmed that monitoring mechanisms are in place to address any infractions swiftly.
The statement, however, clarified that students are to purchase their personal items including Sunday/Jumat wears, bathroom slippers, blankets, bedsheets, pillowcases, towel, underwears as well as 1 ream of A4 paper (80 grams) for registration and other personal items and cleaning materials.
(The Guardian)
