The Federal Government has reaffirmed that tuition fees at all Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) are free, warning principals against levying unauthorized charges on students.
In a statement released on the Ministry of Education’s X handle, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access to technical education for all Nigerian children.
He emphasized that the government fully funds FTCs, covering approved expenses such as boarding, uniforms, textbooks, and other essential services.
Alausa also noted that circulars have been sent to all schools to reinforce this directive, making it clear that no administrator is permitted to demand extra payments from parents or guardians.
“Parents are urged to report illegal demands directly to the Ministry. Reports can be made via hotlines 0803 657 6733 and 0803 637 3796, or email at tse@education.gov.ng,” the statement said.
Alausa, however, clarified that while tuition and other core costs are fully covered, students in boarding schools are still expected to provide some personal items such as toiletries, beddings, and clothing.
The initiative, he explained, is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises Technical and Vocational Education and Training as a pathway to human capital development and national competitiveness.
“No Nigerian child should be denied access to technical education because of illegal charges. By investing in education, we are building a stronger, self-reliant Nigeria,” Alausa said.
He assured that monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to address infractions swiftly, while urging stakeholders to help safeguard the free-education policy and ensure Federal Technical Colleges achieve their mission of producing skilled graduates for national transformation.
The ministry released a list of required items for boarding students, which includes personal items like white bed sheets, pillowcases, and toiletries. In addition, students must bring farming tools such as cutlasses, hoes, and rain boots.
All students are also required to provide one ream of A4 paper for registration.
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