Federal Government enforces free education in technical colleges, warning principals against illegal fees. Ministry urges parents to report violations

The Federal Government has warned school administrators across Nigeria to stop demanding unauthorised payments from students as it maintains free education in all Federal Technical Colleges.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday and shared via the Ministry of Education’s official X handle on Thursday, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the government’s decision to fully cover all tuition and approved fees for technical education.

Dr Alausa stressed that no school head is allowed to introduce extra charges, as the government already funds all necessary services to ensure equal access for every Nigerian child.

The government now covers costs related to boarding, uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, prospectuses, ID cards, stationery, medical care, vocational training, utilities, security, ICT services, extracurricular clubs, and insurance.

“Parents must reject and report illegal demands,” the Minister stated. He urged families to contact the Ministry through dedicated hotlines or by email at tse@education.gov.ng.

While the government shoulders the core educational expenses, Dr Alausa clarified that boarding students must still bring basic personal items, such as toiletries, bedding, cutlasses, hoes, rain boots, and buckets.

One ream of A4 paper is also required from each student for registration.

The initiative, he said, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to strengthen human capital development through increased investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

“No Nigerian child should miss out on technical education because of illegal charges,” Alausa added. “We are building a stronger, self-reliant Nigeria by funding skills-based learning.”

To maintain compliance, the Ministry has introduced monitoring systems that will track and penalise violations.

Stakeholders are also expected to help uphold the integrity of the policy.

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The announcement follows public concerns about unofficial fees in some schools, and the government’s response signals a firm intention to enforce standards and protect access for all students.

Source: Read more at freelanews.com