The federal government has announced a monthly stipend of N45,000 for students in technical colleges across Nigeria, aiming to revive interest in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
This was disclosed in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), who said the initiative is part of a broader effort to reposition technical education in the country. He noted that the financial support will make technical colleges more attractive to young people, helping them acquire practical skills for employment within and outside Nigeria.
“This marks a rebirth for the TVET sector,” he said. “In the colonial era and early years of independence, technical education was prioritized. But since the 1980s, the sector has declined sharply.”
He highlighted the current disparity in the education system, with only 129 technical colleges nationwide compared to over 15,000 senior secondary schools. According to him, the N45,000 grant is not a loan and will not be repaid by beneficiaries.
“This is to encourage more young Nigerians to pursue technical education,” he said.
