The Federal Government (FG) has unveiled a new monthly stipend of N45,000 for students attending technical colleges across Nigeria.
This bold initiative seeks to revive technical and vocational education while motivating young Nigerians to acquire practical skills.
Professor Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, announced the policy during an interview in Abuja.
He stressed that the financial support would make technical education more appealing to students seeking career opportunities.
“This stipend will encourage more youths to enroll in technical colleges and gain certified skills for employment,” Bugaje explained.
He described the move as part of ongoing efforts to revive Nigeria’s declining technical education sector.
Historically, technical colleges thrived during colonial rule and early independence.
However, interest waned from the 1980s, leaving just 129 technical colleges today compared to 15,000 secondary schools. The new grant aims to reverse this trend.
Unlike loans, students will keep the N45,000 monthly support without repayment obligations.
Officials hope this incentive reduces financial hurdles while bridging Nigeria’s skills shortage.
“We want students to view technical training as a rewarding career path,” Bugaje added.
The program aligns with national plans to strengthen vocational education for local and international job markets.
Education experts have welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to empower youths with employable skills.
Parents also expressed relief, saying the stipend eases financial burdens on families.
Technical school students interviewed described the policy as life-changing. “This support motivates me to focus on my electrical installation course,” said one beneficiary in Lagos.
The government plans strict monitoring to ensure proper fund disbursement. State technical colleges will verify student enrollment before releasing payments each term.
Industry leaders praised the move, citing rising demand for skilled technicians nationwide.
Manufacturers particularly need welders, electricians, and mechanics to support operations.
While celebrating the stipend, some educators urged upgraded workshops and qualified instructors. T
hey argued modern equipment remains essential for effective skills training.
The policy takes immediate effect, with payments starting next academic session. Officials will evaluate its impact on enrollment rates after one year.
This intervention represents Nigeria’s latest effort to prioritize technical education after decades of neglect.
Past administrations attempted similar reforms but lacked sustained funding.
Observers say consistent implementation remains key to success. If maintained, the stipend could transform education and reduce youth unemployment long-term.
The government also plans awareness campaigns to promote technical college benefits. Radio jingles and community meetings will target rural areas where misconceptions persist.
State governments pledged cooperation, recognizing technical graduates’ role in infrastructure development. Some promised additional grants to complement federal support.
As Nigeria faces growing unemployment, this investment in practical skills offers hope. The stipend empowers students while addressing critical labor shortages across industries.
Education analysts recommend expanding the program to cover more vocational fields. Tailoring support to local economic needs could further boost effectiveness.
With proper execution, this initiative may finally restore technical education’s former prestige. For many Nigerian youths, it represents a pathway out of poverty through skilled employment.
The coming months will reveal whether the stipend achieves its goals. For now, students nationwide celebrate this long-awaited support for their career ambitions.