The Federal Government has unveiled a bold initiative to provide free tuition fees, feeding, and accommodation for students enrolled in federal and state technical colleges.
This move forms part of the government’s broader commitment to strengthen the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with practical skills essential for national development.
The announcement was made during the official launch of the TVET initiative themed “Advancing Skills, Empowering the Future” in Abuja on Friday. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who led the launch, outlined the comprehensive support package that includes a monthly stipend of N22,500 to students attending these technical colleges.
Highlighting the urgency of such intervention, Dr. Alausa revealed that out of approximately 5.2 million students who graduate from secondary schools each year, only about 1.8 million secure admission into tertiary institutions.
This leaves over 3.4 million students without access to further education, increasing the risk of unemployment and underemployment. The TVET initiative seeks to address this gap by offering viable and skill-based education opportunities.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the TVET program is designed to transform Nigeria’s educational landscape from a results-oriented system to a knowledge-based economy.
He stated that technical and vocational education is a vital catalyst that can propel the country into becoming an industrial powerhouse.
The initiative aims to attract more young Nigerians to technical education by incentivizing their enrollment and enabling them to acquire market-relevant skills that contribute meaningfully to society.
In line with this vision, the government plans to train over 7 million youths in various talents and skills acquisition programs. This large-scale training initiative aims to reposition Nigeria’s education system to better meet the practical and evolving needs of the national economy.
Beyond training, Dr. Alausa announced that graduates of the TVET program will receive starter packs to help them kickstart their careers or businesses.
Furthermore, the government, in partnership with the Bank of Industries (BOI), will facilitate access to single-digit interest loans, empowering trainees to apply their newfound skills practically and sustainably.
The Minister also revealed plans for a significant investment of billions of naira into the TVET project. These funds will ensure not only quality training and certification but also the provision of internet connectivity to guarantee universal access, especially for underserved and rural communities.
“This initiative is not merely a policy announcement,” Dr. Alausa remarked, “but a national resolve to unlock the latent potential of millions of young Nigerians by equipping them with relevant, market-driven skills that can transform their lives and the country.”
Supporting the Minister’s vision, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, described TVET as the backbone of national progress.
She noted that the skills developed through technical and vocational education form the foundation of a prosperous and resilient Nigeria. Prof. Ahmed highlighted the initiative’s transformative power, stating:
“This is not just about skills; it is about hope, dignity, and building the Nigeria we believe in. Through TVET, we aim to turn quiet struggles into visible progress, impacting millions—from farmers to technicians, nurses, and engineers.”
Additionally, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, expressed his support for the initiative, urging the federal government to consider raising the monthly stipend to match the national minimum wage. He argued that this increase is both feasible and necessary to adequately support students.
Prof. Bugaje further emphasized the importance of the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), describing it as more than an educational reform.
He framed NSQF as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future that requires the collective commitment of all stakeholders to transform the country’s human capital landscape and secure its position as Africa’s leading economy.