FG Announces N45,000 Monthly Stipend for Technical College Students Nationwide

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a new initiative to support technical college students nationwide by providing a monthly stipend of ₦45,000.

This move is aimed at encouraging more young people to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a viable alternative to traditional university education.

Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), explained that the stipend is part of a broader plan to revitalize the TVET sector. In addition to the monthly grant, the program will cover tuition fees, pay industry supervisors during students’ industrial attachments, and fund skill certification costs.

To fund this initiative, the government has allocated ₦120 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). Importantly, the ₦45,000 stipend is a grant, meaning students will not have to repay the amount.

The Ministry of Education is also pushing for legislation to establish a National Skills Fund under the proposed Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). This bill, expected to be submitted to the National Assembly soon, aims to ensure sustainable funding for technical education institutions across both public and private sectors.

This initiative represents a significant step towards improving the quality and accessibility of technical education in Nigeria, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market.