The Federal Government has reaffirmed that tuition and all approved charges in Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) across Nigeria are completely free.1 The announcement, made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, is a firm warning against any school administrator or principal who attempts to charge illegal fees.2
The Minister, in a statement released through the Ministry of Education, clarified that the government has fully funded all aspects of technical education to ensure every Nigerian child has equal access.3 The tuition-free policy covers a wide range of expenses, including:
- Approved Charges: Boarding fees, uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, prospectuses, and ID cards.4
- Learning Resources: Stationery, clubs and societies, medical services, vocational training, utilities, and security.5
- Miscellaneous: Website/e-result services, extra lessons, and insurance.6
The government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal fees is part of a broader effort to strengthen the education sector.7 Dr. Alausa stated that the initiative is a core component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key driver of human capital development and national competitiveness.8
To enforce the policy, the Ministry has directed that circulars be sent to all schools and parents to eliminate any confusion.9 Parents are also urged to report any demands for unauthorized payments directly to the Ministry through dedicated hotlines and an email address.10 The Minister stressed that no Nigerian child should be denied access to technical education due to illegal charges.11
While tuition and core expenses are fully covered, the Ministry did clarify that students, especially boarders, are still expected to provide their personal items such as bedding, toiletries, and cleaning materials.12
