FG Launches N45,000 Monthly Stipend for Technical College Students
In a major effort to boost Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria, the federal government has introduced a N45,000 monthly grant for students enrolled in technical colleges across the country.
The initiative, announced in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Idris Bugaje, is part of a broader strategy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to transform the TVET landscape and offer students a viable alternative to university education.
Bugaje explained that the programme is aimed at increasing enrollment in technical institutions and accelerating the growth of vocational education in Nigeria. He also noted that, in addition to the monthly stipend, the government will cover tuition costs, fund industrial training placements supervised by experienced industry professionals (referred to as “master class” instructors), and support the certification of students’ skills.
“With this support, technical education becomes a more appealing option for young Nigerians seeking practical skills and employment opportunities, both locally and internationally,” Bugaje said. “TVET is undergoing a revival. There was once a time, during and shortly after the colonial era, when it was highly regarded. However, the sector has seen significant decline since the 1980s, with only 129 technical colleges currently in existence compared to over 15,000 senior secondary schools.”
Bugaje expressed confidence that this renewed focus and financial backing will help reverse the downward trend and restore technical education to its former stature.
The government has earmarked N120 billion for the initiative, which will be administered through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). Bugaje clarified that the N45,000 stipend is a grant—not a loan—and beneficiaries will not be required to repay it. “This is about encouraging more young people to choose technical education without the burden of repayment,” he said.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the programme, the Minister of Education is preparing a legislative proposal to establish a National Skills Fund under a new Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). According to Bugaje, the proposed bill will soon be submitted to the National Assembly and is expected to support both public and private sector TVET institutions.
“This is a vision we’ve discussed for years, and the current Minister of Education is finally bringing it to life,” he added.
