FG Reaffirms Free Tuition in Federal Technical Colleges, Warns Against Unauthorised Fees

By Ademola Adekusibe
September 25, 2025

Abuja — The Federal Government has reaffirmed that education in all Federal Technical Colleges across the country remains tuition-free, cautioning principals, administrators, and school authorities against imposing unauthorised charges on students.

The clarification came after rising complaints from parents and guardians over alleged payments being demanded in some colleges, despite the government’s policy of free technical education.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Ministry of Education stressed that tuition at Federal Technical Colleges is fully covered by the government and warned that any principal or administrator found collecting unauthorised levies would face disciplinary action.

“The Federal Government has not approved the collection of any tuition or mandatory charges in Federal Technical Colleges. These institutions are tuition-free, and any attempt to burden parents or guardians with extra costs undermines our policy of expanding access to technical and vocational education,” the statement read.

The Ministry noted that technical education is central to Nigeria’s drive for industrialisation, skills development, and job creation, and assured parents that the government remains committed to removing financial barriers for students.

Officials also encouraged parents, guardians, and students to report instances of extortion or unauthorised fee collection directly to the Federal Ministry of Education.

Federal Technical Colleges, which are spread across the country, serve as centres for vocational and technical training aimed at preparing young Nigerians with practical skills to meet labour market demands. The reaffirmation of the tuition-free policy is expected to ease the financial burden on families and encourage more enrolment in the technical education sector.