The Federal Government recently declared free education at all 33 Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) starting from the 2025/2026 academic year. Weekend Hope speaks with members of the public on the issue.
Excerpts:
By Similoluwa Ayibiowu, Vivian Deladem, Ireti Lawal, Ayomiposi Olukayode
Mr Samuel Shofidiya
Technically, it will improve industrialisation because the free tuition programme will lead to an increase in the number of students in each college. If many are trained, industrialisation is bound to receive a boost.
However, with our kind of government the system is likely to experience setbacks as there could be limited industrial equipment for teaching and training. If this happens, the massive turnout of students might still not yield much productivity.
Money is essential to run programmes of such calibre and that is why several private institutions produce quality students in departments that focus on technical and practical courses.
Obe to dun, owo lo pa, (Soup tastes good because of money.)
Imoleayo Pamilerin
I am not against free tuition, but we all know our kind of government — the aftermath tears from students will be loud due to neglect and lack of facilities and equipment.
Of course, free tuition in technical colleges can contribute to industrialisation. For example, by reducing the financial burden, it encourages more individuals to pursue vocational training leading to a larger skilled workforce.
This skilled labour pool is essential for manufacturing, innovation and economic growth directly supporting industrial development by providing the necessary expertise for various industries. More skilled workers lead to more efficient industries and innovation
Ipinmoye Isaac
Free tuition removes the barrier to education, enabling people to gain technical skills that industries need. Sometimes free education leads to self-employment or small manufacturing businesses and encourages innovation from skilled individuals.
However, tuition is only one cost. If students cannot afford transport, housing or materials, many may still drop out of school
Felicia Oluwadamilola
Free tuition will encourage more people to pursue education which can improve literacy rates and make individuals more employable. However, I believe that free tuition alone is not enough to drive industrialisation. Without job opportunities or the necessary support to create businesses, we risk producing a growing number of educated but unemployed individuals.
Therefore free tuition should be paired with job creation initiatives or empowerment programmes that help people start their own businesses. This combination is more likely to result in sustainable economic growth and industrial development.
Jamiu Akerele
Talking about free tuition in technical colleges and its potential to boost industrialisation may have limited impact considering some potential challenges such as:
Infrastructure and Resources: Technical colleges may struggle to accommodate the influx of students potentially straining existing infrastructure and resources
Industry Partnerships: In the absence of strong partnerships between technical colleges and industries the skills taught may not align with industry needs thereby limiting the impact on industrialisation
Sustainability: The long-term sustainability of the free tuition programme is uncertain and funding challenges may arise potentially disrupting its effectiveness
Job Market Absorption: Even with increased access to technical education the job market may not be able to absorb the graduates leading to unemployment and underutilisation of skills
Kafayat Yusuf
Absolutely, free tuition in technical colleges has potential impacts on students including:
Attracting foreign investment: A skilled workforce developed through technical colleges can attract foreign investors, leading to increased foreign direct investment, technology transfer and partnerships with international companies
Reducing unemployment: By providing students with practical skills and training technical colleges can help reduce the unemployment rate as graduates become more employable and equipped to contribute to industrial growth and development
Boosting the economy: Free tuition in technical colleges can have a positive impact on the economy and society as a whole. As industries grow and develop, they create more job opportunities leading to improved economic stability and a higher standard of living
Bridging the skills Gap: By offering free tuition and practical training, technical colleges can help bridge the skills gap in various industries
Stephen Adeyemi
Well, free tuition in technical colleges is likely to positively impact industrialisation efforts in Nigeria as a whole. That is, by making technical education more accessible the Federal Government aims to attract more young people like us to hands-on careers which can lead to a more skilled workforce.
This move could potentially boost industrialisation efforts by:
Increasing Access to Skilled Labour: With more students having access to technical education, industries can expect a larger pool of skilled workers to choose from
Promoting Practical Skills: The programmes offered in technical colleges are 80% practical which can equip students with the hands-on skills required in various industries
Odunayo Alimi
Free tuition in technical colleges can boost industrialisation by encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation. The government’s initiative includes providing business start-up kits for graduates, grants and single-digit interest loans. With practical skills and training, graduates can become more employable and contribute to the growth of industries.
It can also promote industrialisation by removing financial barriers. More students can enrol in technical colleges and gain practical skills needed for industrial development. The programmes focus on equipping students with skills in areas such as ICT, agriculture and renewable energy