No Hidden Fees in Technical Colleges, FG Warns

The Federal Government yesterday reaffirmed that education in all Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) remains completely free and warned principals against imposing illegal levies on students.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, in a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, said the government has fully taken responsibility for tuition and all approved charges.

The charges, he explained, cover boarding, uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, prospectus, ID cards, stationery, clubs and societies, medical, vocational, utilities, security, website/e-result, Skool Media, extra lessons, and insurance.

He directed that circulars reinforcing the free education policy be sent to all schools and parents, urging parents to report any attempt at extortion through the Ministry’s hotlines: 0803 657 6733, 0803 637 3796, or via email at tse@education.gov.ng.

However, students are required to provide personal items such as religious wear, bedding, toiletries, sanitary materials, school shoes, mosquito nets, mattresses, and cleaning tools like hoes, cutlasses, and brooms. Optional items include rain boots, umbrellas, and sanitary towels. Each student must also present a ream of A4 paper during registration.

Alausa said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to drive human capital development.

“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.

He assured that monitoring mechanisms are in place to ensure compliance, warning that any principal found culpable would face sanctions.

The Ministry urged stakeholders to safeguard the free education policy and ensure that FTCs produce skilled graduates for national transformation.