The Federal Government has announced that students at the federal and state technical colleges will hence forth enjoy free tuition fees, feeding and accommodation as part of its efforts to support Technical and Vocational Education and Training Initiative (TVET).

The government explained that the package includes a monthly stipend of N22,500 to students in the colleges.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, started this at the official launch of TVET initiative with the theme, ?Advancing Skills, Empowering the Future?, in Abuja on Friday.

Alausa noted that out of the 5.2 million students that graduate from secondary schools yearly, only about 1.8 million gain admission into the tertiary institutions, while over 3.4 million drop out of school.

He said TVET was introduced to bring about change that will drive a country into an industrial power and move it from a result-based to knowledge-based economy.

The minister said the gesture was designed to attract more young people to TVET, incentivise them so they could use the opportunity to acquire relevant skills that will make them to be useful to society.

He said the government intends to train over 7,000,000 youths in talents and skills acquisition to reposition the education system and meet practical needs of Nigeria economy.

He said after the training, youths would receive a starter pack and have the opportunity to get a single digit loan in partnership with Bank of Industries (BOI) to help them to put into practice what they have learnt.

The minister also disclosed that billions of naira would be invested in the project to ensure that the youths get the required skills.

?The government will cover the cost of training, certification, and internet connectivity to ensure universal access, especially for underserved communities,? he added.

The minister said the initiative is not just a policy announcement but a national resolve to unlock the latent potential of millions of young Nigerians by equipping them with relevant, market-driven skills.

Earlier the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, said TVET is the backbone of national progress that will turn potential into purpose, impacting millions from farmers to technicians, nurses and engineers.

She said: ?The skills developed through TVET are the foundation for a prosperous and resilient Nigeria. Through this initiative, we aim to turn quiet struggles into visible progress. This is not just about skills, it is about hope, dignity and building the Nigeria we believe in.?

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, urged the federal government to raise the stipends to that of a minimum wage, saying it is doable.

He said the NSQF represents more than an educational reform, but a strategic investment in the nation?s future which requires collective commitment of all stakeholders to transform Nigeria?s human capital network landscape and secure our position as Africa?s leading economy. (Daily Trust)

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