In a major step to revive technical and vocational education, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a monthly stipend of N45,000 for students in technical colleges across the country.
This new move aims to make Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) more attractive to young Nigerians. According to Professor Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the policy is part of a larger plan to reposition TVET as a strong alternative to university education.
Professor Bugaje shared the news during an interview in Abuja, marking two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He explained that TVET has suffered a decline since the 1980s. Today, there are only 129 technical colleges compared to over 15,000 senior secondary schools.
The goal now is to turn things around. The new stipend is not a loan — students will not have to pay it back. It’s a grant designed to ease the financial burden and attract more students to technical education.
What the Government Will Cover
Apart from the N45,000 monthly payment, the government will also:
- Pay students’ tuition fees
- Fund training for “master class” instructors during industrial attachments
- Cover the cost of skill certification
These measures are expected to help students gain real-world experience and earn valuable certifications that can lead to jobs — both in Nigeria and abroad.
A Fresh Start for TVET in Nigeria
Bugaje described the effort as a rebirth of technical education in Nigeria. He believes this plan will encourage more students to pick up skills that can change their lives.
“This is a new beginning,” he said. “We want young people to see technical colleges as a place to build their future.”
Funding and Future Plans
To back this initiative, the Federal Government has approved a N120 billion grant, which will be distributed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). Again, this is not a loan but a grant — meaning no repayment is required.
The government is also working on a new law to support long-term funding. The Minister of Education is pushing a bill to create a National Skills Fund, which will operate under the planned Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). This fund will support both public and private TVET institutions across Nigeria.
Looking Ahead
This policy could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s youth and economy. With better funding and support, TVET could offer real hope to millions of young Nigerians who want to learn practical skills and earn a living.
By making technical education more affordable and attractive, the Federal Government is taking a bold step toward solving unemployment and building a skilled workforce.
