Introduction of free technical, vocational training will end unemployment soon – Dr. Ahmed

By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo

The new introduction of Free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in all Federal Technical Colleges in Nigeria by President Bola Tinubu-led administration will soon put an end to the unemployment saga on Nigerian youth.

The Principal, Federal Technical College (FTC) Jalingo Dr. Bibinu Samuel Ahmed stated this in an interview with our correspondent in Jalingo.

According to him, the Federal Government is worried about the state of the nation, particularly unemployment among youth hence the decision to create skills so that students will have a better future after graduation.

He further disclosed that the essence of the initiative was to assist the talented students to acquire skills to enable them to benefit from government approved grants as soon as they completed the three year training program.

Dr. Ahmed also highlighted that the program which is billed to commence 2025/2026 academic session by August, 2025 has changed from its previous name “Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) in Nigeria no Technical and vocational College and Training (TVET) program.

He further stated that the courses are designed to help students develop specialized skills in various fields including engineering, hospitality, health care, construction among others.

The three year course program according to the principal will provide students for immediate employment and self employed opportunity.

Other benefits accrued are free tuition and accommodation, free meals, months stipends and access to Federal grants/loan upon graduation.

Dr. Ahmed assured that upon completion of studies, students will obtain national business and national technical certificate and in addition to another certificate in national skill qualification certification (NSQ) which he said the two certificates shall have global acceptability for those who want to practice their enterprise or vacation abroad.

The entrance examination which is expected to come up on Saturday 14th June 2025 shall end registration of candidates on Thursday 12th June, 2025.

Speaking on challenges facing the new relocated permanent side of the Federal Technical College Jalingo, Dr. Ahmed appreciated tremendous effort of Federal Government and Taraba State Government in making sure that the college move from high to high, while appealing for access road to the college premises which he said had cut-off by erosion menace.

He also requested for additional water boreholes, electricity, security and increasing of student feeding allowance which he said were major issues for immediate attention.