THE Federal Government has reiterated that all Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) across the country are fully funded, warning school administrators against imposing illegal charges on students and their parents.
In a statement signed by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations, the Minister of State for Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa sent to News Point Nigeria, stressed that tuition at FTCs is completely free, with the government also covering all approved expenses.
According to him, the Federal Government pays for a wide range of student needs including boarding, uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, prospectuses, ID cards, stationery, clubs and societies, medical services, vocational training, utilities, security, website/e-result processing, Skool Media support, extra lessons, and insurance.
The minister warned that no principal, teacher, or school administrator has the authority to demand unauthorised fees from parents or guardians.
To enforce compliance, Alausa directed that circulars reinforcing the “no-charge policy” be distributed to all schools and parent associations nationwide.
Parents were also urged to report any cases of illegal demands directly to the Ministry of Education through dedicated hotlines (0803 657 6733, 0803 637 3796) or via email (tse@education.gov.ng).
“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 minister said.
While tuition and major expenses are borne by the government, students — particularly boarders — are expected to come with personal and registration items.
The list includes: Personal items: Sunday or Jumat wear (plus scarf/hijab), slippers, blanket, bedsheets, pillow, towel, underwear, rain boots (optional), rubber shoes, raincoat/umbrella, mosquito net, toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, detergent), torchlight, mattress with mackintosh, water bottle, cutlery set, plastic cup, soup bowl, padlock, and school shoes.
Registration/cleaning items: one ream of A4 paper (80 grams), one hoe, one cutlass, and one broom.
The Ministry explained that these are essential personal effects and not illegal charges.
Alausa said the initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a catalyst for job creation, youth empowerment, and national competitiveness.
“This initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to equipping Nigerian youth with employable skills that will drive innovation and industrial growth,” the minister added.
The Federal Ministry of Education assured that strict monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to detect and punish infractions promptly.
“Any administrator found demanding unauthorised payments will face disciplinary action,” the statement concluded.