The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to making technical education accessible to all young Nigerian children by maintaining tuition-free policies across all Federal Technical Colleges nationwide.
This initiative ensures that Nigerian youths, regardless of background, can acquire practical and scientific skills vital for self-employment, job creation, and the country’s technological advancement. The government’s policy highlights the critical role of Technical colleges in Nigeria’s educational and industrial system, and the objectives include:
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Providing general education alongside technical training.
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Developing a skilled workforce for various industries.
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Equipping students with the abilities necessary for securing and retaining jobs.
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Encouraging self-employment through vocational and entrepreneurial training.
The skills acquired at these institutions include professions such as:
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Bricklaying
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Carpentry
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Painting
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Auto mechanics
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Laboratory and pharmacy technology
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Electrical/electronic repairs
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Vocational nursing
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By producing skilled technicians, these colleges directly support Nigeria’s industrial growth and employment creation. The curricula of technical colleges in Nigeria focus on craft/engineering trades, agriculture, business, and home economics. Some of the common courses offered include:
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Automechanics
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Electrical installation and maintenance
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Plumbing and pipefitting
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Bricklaying and masonry
The standard duration of study in technical colleges is three years, combining classroom instruction with intensive workshop practice. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for national and international examinations, including:
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City and Guilds of London Institute certificates
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Federal Craft Certificate
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Ministry of Labour Trade Tests
Successful students can also advance to polytechnics or federal universities of technology through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
In a recent statement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that the government fully funds tuition and approved fees in all Federal Technical Colleges. Principals and administrators have been cautioned against imposing unauthorized charges on students.
.According to the Ministry of Education, the Federal Government bears the full cost of tuition to guarantee equal access to technical education. The government covers approved expenses such as:
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Boarding fees
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Uniforms
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Textbooks and exercise books
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Prospectuses and ID cards
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Stationery
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Clubs and societies
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Medical services
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Vocational training
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Utilities and security
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Websites/e-result services
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Skool Media resources
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Extra lessons
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Insurance
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Alausa, however, clarified that while tuition and other core costs are fully covered, students in boarding schools are still expected to provide some personal items such as toiletries, beddings, and clothing. Today, there are a total of 132 Technical Colleges made up of:
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19 Federal Technical Colleges
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110 State technical Colleges
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3 private Technical Colleges
The technical colleges are under the auspices of the ministries of education and the National Board for Technical Education. Each technical college is headed by a Principal.
List of Tuition-Free Federal Technical Colleges in Nigeria
1. Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Ohanso, Abia State
Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Ohanso is a co-educational boarding institution in Abia State. The college offers courses in engineering, electrical, business, and building trades, all of which are accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Students are prepared for national and international examinations, such as NABTEB’s National Technical Certificate (NTC) and National Business Certificate (NBC), in addition to standard secondary school qualifications.
2. Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Federal Science and Technical College, Uyo, situated in the Aka Offot community, is the sole girls-only federal technical college located in the Aka Offot community in Nigeria. It offers both day and boarding options, providing a comprehensive education in academics and technical skills.
3. Federal Science & Technical College (FSTC), Otukpo, Benue State
Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Otukpo was founded in 1989 and began operations in April 1990. It is a co-educational day and boarding institution located in Akpegede Village along Oju Road, Otukpo LGA, Benue State. The college offers a broad curriculum that combines sciences, humanities, languages, and vocational trades.
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4. Federal Science & Technical College (FSTC) Lassa, Borno State
FSTC Lassa is a Federal Science and Technical College located in Askira Uba Local Government Area, on the northern outskirts of Lassa town, Borno State. The college is currently undergoing active development and upgrade through the Inclusive Basic Service Delivery Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Project (IBSDLEIP), which is jointly funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and the African Development Bank.
5. Federal Science & Technical College (FSTC) Kafanchan, Kaduna State
FSTC Kafanchan is located along the Kafanchan-Kagoro Road in Kafanchan, Kaduna State. It was established in 1990 as Federal Technical College. The college offers a mix of academic and technical/vocational courses. Some of the courses include Science, Commercial, Electrical Installation, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Bricklaying and Concreting, Plumbing and Pipefitting, Radio and Television, Painting and Decorating, as well as Carpentry and Joinery.
6. Federal Science & Technical College (FSTC) Zuru, Kebbi State
FSTC Zuru is a federal science and technical college in Zuru, Kebbi State. It was established in 1989, but started admitting students in 1991. The school aims to provide a trained workforce in applied science, technology, and commerce. It seeks to impact students with skills that enable them to become craftsmen, technicians, engineers, and scientists.
7. Federal Science & Technical College (FSTC), Yaba, Lagos
FSTC Yaba was established in 1948 to train craftsmen and technicians in building and engineering trades. FSTC Yaba offers both academic secondary school subjects and a range of technical and vocational trades.
