Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In a bold move to revolutionize technical education and boost youth employability, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the complete removal of all tuition and associated fees for students enrolling in the 33 Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) across the country for the 2025–2026 academic session.
Truth Live News gathered that this groundbreaking initiative comes with an attractive package: free tuition, free accommodation, free meals, monthly stipends, and guaranteed employment or enterprise support upon graduation.
The program is part of the renewed focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), a practical learning pathway aimed at equipping young Nigerians with globally relevant skills in various trades and industries.
The Federal Ministry of Education disclosed that registration for new candidates is now open and will close on Thursday, June 12, 2025, with entrance examinations slated for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at all FSTC centers nationwide. Interested candidates are required to pay a registration fee of N4,200, after which college staff will assist them with the online registration process.
According to the Ministry, the TVET program offers a host of incentives aimed at removing barriers to education while encouraging innovation, self-employment, and job readiness. Key benefits include:
Three years of free tuition, accommodation, and meals
Monthly stipends to support students throughout the program
National Business and Technical Certificates (NBTC) upon graduation
National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Certification with global acceptability
Access to federal grants or zero-interest loans to start small enterprises
Alignment of courses with labor market demands, ensuring job readiness
“This initiative is a major investment in Nigeria’s future,” said a spokesperson from the Federal Ministry of Education. “With this program, we’re not just educating children—we’re creating a pipeline of skilled professionals who will drive national development.”
The FSTCs span 29 states and the FCT. Below is the full list of participating colleges:
FSTC Yaba & Yaba (Annex) – Lagos
FSTC Ilesa – Osun
FSTC Kafanchan – Kaduna
FSTC Uyo & Ikot Ekpene – Akwa Ibom
FSTC Otukpo, Otobi & Otukpa – Benue
FSTC Awka – Anambra
FSTC Jalingo – Taraba
FSTC Tungbo – Bayelsa
FSTC Doma – Nasarawa
FSTC Zuru & Yauri – Kebbi
FSTC Michika – Adamawa
FSTC Ohanso & Aba – Abia
FSTC Orozo & Bwari – FCT, Abuja
FSTC Uromi – Edo
FSTC Ikare-Akoko – Ondo
FSTC Ahoada – Rivers
FSTC Lassa – Borno
FSTC Enugu – Enugu
FSTC Usi-Ekiti – Ekiti
FSTC Ogugu – Kogi
FSTC Ijebu-Imushin – Ogun
FSTC Sokoto – Sokoto
FSTC Ilorin – Kwara
FSTC Garki – Jigawa
FSTC Kuta – Niger
FSTC Biliri – Gombe
Despite this commendable spread, seven states—Kano, Zamfara, Delta, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Plateau—do not yet have an FSTC, sparking fresh calls for the expansion of the initiative to ensure national equity and inclusion.
Education advocates, parents, and community leaders are encouraged to seize this opportunity by enrolling their children or wards, particularly those with interests in practical and technical careers. With the new FSTC initiative, the government aims to not only reduce unemployment but also to nurture a generation of skilled professionals ready to build Nigeria’s future.