Free Technical Schools & 45,000 Stipends: Tinubu’s Bold Move to Empower Nigerian Youths
In a news bold move to tackle youth unemployment and skills shortage, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a ₦120 billion investment in Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training program. This initiative offers free training at Federal Science and Technical Colleges across the country, opening doors for young Nigerians eager to learn practical skills for meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.
President Tinubu’s educational reform speaks directly to the crisis facing many Nigerian youths today. In a revolutionary overhaul, technical schools are now completely free, and every student enrolled will receive a ₦45,000 monthly stipend. Imagine going to school without paying a dime and being paid to learn. This isn’t just a lofty promise; it’s a bold restructure of how we think about education and employability.
Thanks to this reform, graduates from technical schools won’t have to wait for miracle jobs they’ll be job-ready. Each graduate effectively becomes a mini-enterprise, capable of lifting others out of unemployment. The impact on Nigeria’s GDP, workforce productivity, and national morale promises to be profound.
To join this transformative program, applicants between the ages of 18 and 35, with a minimum of secondary education, are eligible regardless of their state of origin. There is a small registration fee of ₦4,200, and the deadline for enrollment is June 12, 2025.
Federal Science and Technical Colleges are spread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, making technical education accessible nationwide. Some of the colleges include Federal Science and Technical Colleges in Akure, Uyo, Gombe, Owerri, Yaba, Bauchi, Azare, Enugu, Zaria, and Kano.
Courses offered cover a wide range of practical and market-driven skills such as welding, carpentry, automobile mechanics, plumbing, ICT, fashion design, electrical installation, agricultural engineering, building construction, and catering.
At the end of the program, students receive the National Technical Certificate or equivalent vocational certificates, recognized by the National Board for Technical Education and the Industrial Training Fund. These certificates affirm the practical skills acquired and enable graduates to seek employment or continue further studies at polytechnics. It’s important to note that this program does not award academic degrees like the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or Higher National Diploma (HND), which are reserved for polytechnics and universities.
President Tinubu’s free technical school initiative marks a crucial investment in Nigeria’s human capital. By equipping youths with relevant skills, Nigeria is set to diversify its economy, reduce unemployment, and build a future powered by innovation and craftsmanship.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, this is your chance to enroll in a Federal Science and Technical College near you. Secure your future and become a vital part of Nigeria’s technological renaissance.
