The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a bold new initiative aimed at revitalizing technical and vocational education, offering technical college students a monthly stipend of N45,000 as part of a broader support package.
Announced by Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the scheme aims to attract more young Nigerians to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a viable and rewarding alternative to traditional university education.
Under the new program, students will receive monthly grants of N45,000, free tuition, and additional support for industry-based training and certification costs. Supervisors overseeing students’ industrial attachments will also receive financial incentives.
“This initiative is a game-changer,” Bugaje stated. “It will not only reduce the financial burden on students but also elevate the prestige and relevance of technical education in the country.”
The government has earmarked N120 billion for the scheme, which will be administered through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). Importantly, the monthly stipends are non-repayable grants, not loans.
To further institutionalize support for skills development, the Federal Ministry of Education is also finalizing a bill to establish a National Skills Fund under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). Once passed by the National Assembly, the fund will provide long-term financing for both public and private TVET institutions.
This marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to bridge the skills gap, promote entrepreneurship, and equip students with practical knowledge for the modern workforce.