FG Introduces ₦45,000 Monthly Stipend for Technical College Students Nationwide

In a bold move to revive technical and vocational education in Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced a ₦45,000 monthly stipend for students enrolled in technical colleges across the country.

This was revealed by Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Bugaje described the initiative as part of a broader effort to resurrect and reposition the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, which he noted has suffered severe neglect since the 1980s. While Nigeria currently has only 129 technical colleges, there are over 15,000 senior secondary schools, showing a vast disparity in educational focus.

“The ₦45,000 is not a loan but a non-repayable grant,” he clarified. “We want to make technical education more attractive to young Nigerians, equip them with practical skills, and open up employment opportunities both at home and abroad.”

He emphasized that this stipend could serve as a catalyst for reversing the declining enrollment in technical colleges, offering a pathway to self-reliance, job creation, and economic diversification.

Governor Mbah Flags Off Electric Vehicle Assembly Plant in Enugu

Governor Mbah Flags Off Electric Vehicle Assembly Plant in Enugu In a landmark step towards industrialization and clean energy adoption, Governor Peter Mbah has flagged off the Stallion Vehicle Assembly Plant and Automotive Infrastructure in Owo, Nkanu East LGA, marking a significant move in Enugu State’s transition from a consumer-based to a production-driven economy. 

 The plant, a partnership between the Enugu State Government and Stallion MG Automobiles Ltd, will begin by assembling 2,000 hybrid sedans with a future roadmap to expand into bus production. 

The initiative is poised to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, empower local talent, and create a hub for technology transfer and skills development. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah described the project as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and youth employment through initiatives such as a clean energy taxi scheme. 

 “This plant will not only produce vehicles but also serve as a training ground for future engineers, and support our goals of becoming the automotive hub of Southeast Nigeria and West Africa,” the governor stated. Commissioners present praised the alignment with the state’s climate action plan, while Stallion Group MD, Mr. Mahesh Vaswani, highlighted the collaboration as a reflection of shared innovation and a boost to Nigeria’s auto sector in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 The local government chairman, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, and host community leaders welcomed the development, promising continuous support and protection of the infrastructure.