The Federal Government has announced a new initiative to support students in technical colleges across Nigeria. Starting soon, these students will receive a monthly stipend of ₦45,000 to help with their education and living expenses as reported by The Guardian,
What is This Stipend About?
This stipend is part of a broader effort to revitalize Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria. The goal is to make technical education more attractive and accessible to young Nigerians, providing them with practical skills that can lead to employment opportunities both locally and internationally.
Additional Support for Students
Beyond the monthly stipend, the government plans to:
- Cover teaching fees for students.
- Pay industry-based supervisors, known as “master class” instructors, who oversee students during industrial attachments.
- Finance the cost of skill certification for students.
These measures aim to reduce the financial burden on students and encourage more young people to pursue technical education.
Why is This Important?
Technical education has faced challenges in Nigeria, with the number of technical colleges declining over the years. Currently, there are about 129 technical colleges compared to 15,000 senior secondary schools. This initiative seeks to reverse that trend by making technical education more appealing and accessible.
Funding and Future Plans
The government has allocated ₦120 billion to support this initiative, which will be disbursed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). Importantly, the ₦45,000 stipend is a grant, meaning students will not have to repay it.
To ensure the sustainability of this program, the Minister of Education is working on a legislative bill to establish a National Skills Fund under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). This fund will continue to support TVET institutions, including those in the private sector.
What Students Should Do
If you’re a student in a technical college or considering enrolling in one:
- Stay informed through official channels for updates on the stipend disbursement.
- Reach out to your institution’s administration for guidance on how to benefit from this initiative.
- Take advantage of the additional support services being offered.
What do you think about this new initiative?
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