Nigerian Govt moves to scrap tuition fees in Federal Technical Colleges

The Federal Government has announced a review of the tuition fees for students in Federal Technical Colleges and directed a nationwide validation of students enrolled in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, sector.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, noted that the review will ensure that no student enrolled in any Federal Technical College bears the burden of paying tuition or other institutional fees that could constitute a barrier to accessing quality technical education.

Alausa made the disclosure at the T-31 student selection exercise for admission into Federal Technical Colleges.

He explained that equipping young Nigerians with technical education will empower them with skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and national development.

“I encourage all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure a seamless, credible, and successful admission process. Remain guided by the principles of equity, accountability, and excellence as you select the next generation of skilled technicians and craftsmen who will contribute meaningfully to Nigerian industrial and economic transformation,” the minister urged.

On his part, the Registrar of NABTEB,  Dr Mohammed Aminu, said the exercise is to ensure that candidates who sat for the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination, NCEE, are fairly and transparently placed into technical colleges in line with Federal Ministry of Education guidelines.

On candidates’ performance, NABTEB disclosed that 10,426 candidates, representing 75.29 per cent, scored 50 per cent and above, while 5,708 candidates, representing 41.22 per cent, scored 70 per cent and above.

He noted that the admission process will be based on merit, equity, accountability, transparency and the Federal Character Principle.

“A total of 15,290 candidates registered for the examination, while 13,848 candidates eventually sat for the examination nationwide.

“The exam was conducted across 34 Federal Technical Colleges and 168 State Technical Colleges in the 36 States of Nigeria

“The selection and placement exercise will ensure that qualified candidates are offered admission based on merit, available vacancies, trade preferences and catchment considerations.”