In a major stride toward strengthening Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, the Federal Government has introduced a ₦45,000 monthly grant for students in Federal Technical Colleges. This initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s education reform agenda, aimed at expanding access to technical education and equipping young Nigerians with practical, employable skills.
According to Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the monthly stipend is a non-repayable grant ( not a loan ) and is accompanied by full coverage of tuition and final exam fees. The government will also fund master-class instructors for industrial attachments and cover the cost of skills certification under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
Backed by a ₦120 billion grant managed by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), this comprehensive programme includes a curriculum overhaul with 80% practical and 20% theoretical focus. Additionally, a bilateral agreement with China has been signed to further enhance Nigeria’s technical training capabilities.
The Federal Ministry of Education has also opened applications for admission into Federal Technical Colleges nationwide for the 2025/2026 academic session, with registration closing on June 11, 2025, and the entrance exam scheduled for June 14, 2025.
With benefits including dual certification, monthly stipends, and post-graduation grants or business loans, this initiative aims to reduce youth unemployment, boost local skills, and position Nigeria for global competitiveness in vocational and technical education.
