In a move to reposition technical education in Nigeria, the Federal Government has approved a monthly stipend of ₦45,000 for students enrolled in technical colleges nationwide. The development was disclosed by Professor Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), during a media briefing in Abuja. He described it as a significant step towards revitalising Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) nationwide.
Bugaje stated that the initiative forms part of broader reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration aimed at making TVET a more attractive and viable alternative to conventional university education. He added that, in addition to the stipend, the government would cover tuition fees, provide allowances for industry-based supervisors – known as “master class” instructors – and fund the cost of skill certification. “With this, young people will find it more attractive to enrol in technical colleges, acquire skills and qualifications, and secure employment both locally and internationally,” he said. “We are witnessing what may be described as a resurrection or rebirth of TVET in Nigeria.”
Bugaje recalled that technical education once enjoyed considerable attention during the colonial era and the early years of independence, but has since suffered decades of neglect. He noted that the number of technical colleges currently stands at 129, compared to over 15,000 senior secondary schools in the country. He expressed optimism that the new policy would help restore the sector to its rightful place, adding that the government had earmarked ₦120 billion to support students under the TVET scheme. The funds, he explained, will be disbursed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). “The ₦45,000 is not a loan but a grant. Beneficiaries are not required to repay it. We want to encourage more young Nigerians to pursue technical education,” he said.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the programme, Bugaje disclosed that the Minister of Education is championing a legislative proposal to establish a National Skills Fund under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
He noted that the bill would soon be presented to the National Assembly. “This is an idea we have long advocated, and the current Minister has now taken it forward,” he said. “Once established, the National Skills Fund will support TVET institutions across both public and private sectors.”
