The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a new initiative to pay students in technical colleges a monthly stipend of N45,000, as part of broader efforts to revamp and promote technical and vocational education in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, made the announcement in Abuja during a briefing on the second year of President Tinubu’s administration.
Bugaje described the initiative as a key component of a larger strategy to reposition the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector and make it a more viable and attractive alternative to traditional university education.
“With this, young people will find it more attractive to attend technical colleges, acquire skill-based qualifications, and secure employment both within and outside Nigeria,” Bugaje said.
He emphasized that Nigeria is witnessing a “rebirth” of the TVET sector, which has suffered decades of neglect since the 1980s. At present, there are only 129 technical colleges across the country, compared to over 15,000 senior secondary schools—a disparity he said the government is determined to correct.
Bugaje also revealed that the government has earmarked N120 billion to support this new technical education initiative. The funds will be disbursed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
“The N45,000 is not a loan but a grant. Beneficiaries will not be required to repay it. The goal is to motivate more young Nigerians to consider technical education,” he added.
To ensure the sustainability of the programme, the Ministry of Education is currently drafting a bill for the establishment of a National Skills Fund under a proposed Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
Bugaje said the bill, which will soon be presented to the National Assembly, aims to provide ongoing funding for both public and private TVET institutions.
“This is an idea we’ve discussed for years, and now the Minister of Education is taking it forward. Once passed, the fund will provide continuous support for skill development across the country,” he said.
This development marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s education policy, signaling a renewed commitment to skills acquisition and practical training as critical drivers of youth empowerment and economic development.
