In a bold move to reform Nigeria’s educational landscape and empower its youth, the Federal Government has approved free tuition, feeding, and accommodation for students in federal and state technical colleges across the country.
The initiative, part of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scheme, was announced by Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the official launch of the programme in Abuja on Friday.
Themed “Advancing Skills, Empowering the Future,” the event marked a major step in addressing skills gaps and unemployment among Nigerian youths.
In addition to waiving educational costs, the government will also pay each student a monthly stipend of ₦22,500.
Dr. Alausa highlighted the urgent need for such an initiative, citing staggering educational dropout rates in the country.
“Out of the 5.2 million students that graduate from secondary schools yearly, only about 1.8 million gain admission into the tertiary institutions, while over 3.4 million drop out of school,” he stated.
The TVET programme, he explained, is designed to transform Nigeria’s economy from a resource-based model to a knowledge-driven and industrialised economy.
“TVET was introduced to bring about change that will drive a country into an industrial power and move it from a result-based to knowledge-based economy,” he said.
The initiative is meant to attract more young Nigerians to vocational training, not only by removing financial barriers but also by offering meaningful opportunities for economic participation.
According to the Minister, over 7 million youths will be trained in various skills as part of the government’s long-term vision for education reform.
“The government intends to train over 7,000,000 youths in talents and skills acquisition to reposition the education system and meet practical needs of Nigeria economy,” Alausa added.
To ensure trainees can apply what they’ve learned, the Minister said graduates would receive starter packs and be eligible for single-digit loans through a partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI).
“After the training, youths would receive a starter pack and have the opportunity to get a single digit loan in partnership with Bank of Industries (BOI) to help them to put into practice what they have learnt,” he noted.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that this wasn’t just another policy statement, but a full-scale national commitment to empower underserved communities.
“The government will cover the cost of training, certification, and internet connectivity to ensure universal access, especially for underserved communities,” he said.
“The initiative is not just a policy announcement but a national resolve to unlock the latent potential of millions of young Nigerians by equipping them with relevant, market-driven skills.”
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, also addressed the gathering, stressing the foundational role of technical education in nation-building.
“The skills developed through TVET are the foundation for a prosperous and resilient Nigeria. Through this initiative, we aim to turn quiet struggles into visible progress.”
“This is not just about skills, it is about hope, dignity and building the Nigeria we believe in,” she said.
Supporting the call for greater investment, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, appealed to the federal government to increase the monthly stipend.
“The government should raise the stipends to that of a minimum wage,” he urged, adding, “It is doable.”
He described the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) as a transformative effort that goes beyond education.
“The NSQF represents more than an educational reform, but a strategic investment in the nation’s future which requires collective commitment of all stakeholders to transform Nigeria’s human capital network landscape and secure our position as Africa’s leading economy.”
The TVET initiative, according to government officials, aims to spark a generational shift in how young Nigerians see education, not just as academic advancement, but as a pathway to self-reliance, national development, and dignity.
