The Nigerian Government has announced that all Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) nationwide will now operate tuition-free, as part of its efforts to expand access to technical education for children across the country.

The initiative goes beyond tuition, covering boarding fees, uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, prospectus, identity cards, stationery, medicals, vocational charges, utilities, security, website/e-results, Skool Media, clubs and societies, extra lessons, and insurance. According to the government, this is in line with its free-education policy and intended to ensure FTCs fulfill their mandate of producing skilled graduates for national transformation.

In a statement issued late Wednesday, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, encouraged parents to report illegal levies directly to the Ministry through its hotlines (08036576733, 08036373796) or email (tse@education.gov.ng).

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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.” He directed that circulars reinforcing the policy be sent to all FTCs and parents. While tuition and core costs are fully covered, Alausa clarified that boarding students are still expected to provide their personal items.

Highlighting the broader goal, the minister said, “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.”

He further stressed, “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.”

The ministry added that monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to quickly address any infractions. However, it clarified that students will still need to purchase personal effects such as Sunday/Jumat wear, blankets, bedsheets, pillowcases, towels, bathroom slippers, underwear, one ream of A4 paper (80 grams) for registration, and other personal and cleaning materials.