Awka: Some parents in Awka metropolis have hailed the decision by the Federal Government to make the Federal Science and Technical Colleges in Nigeria tuition-free, saying the policy is a huge relief to them. They also said that it is a sign that President Bola Tinubu is feeling the pulse of the masses as well as interested in enhancing the nation's future through productivity.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, those who bared their minds in an interview on Friday said that the policy emphasized science and technical education as a pathway towards achieving advancement of the country. Mrs. Amaechi Okolo, a mother whose child was admitted in one of the schools, said that the gesture would go a long way to step up productivity and reduce the problem of out-of-school syndrome. She emphasized that education is sure to secure the future of the nation, especially when the policy is well-thought-out.
Mrs. Okolo commended the Federal Government under the leadership of President Tinubu, stating that it underscores his visionary concern for the nation's future. She expressed that this kind of policy is gradually easing the socio-economic burdens caused by the removal of oil subsidies on ordinary Nigerians.
Mr. Obi Anazodo also praised the government for the policy and stressed the need for strict monitoring to ensure school management abides by the tuition-free directive. Anazodo noted that often, government-conceived good policies are circumvented by those tasked with implementing them. He suggested that the Federal Government should ensure that school management does not introduce arbitrary levies that could undermine President Tinubu's good intentions.
Anazodo further advised beneficiaries of the policy to maintain good conduct while in school and avoid anti-social behaviors that could derail the government's and parents' targets. He also appealed for a merit-based and seamless admission process to ensure the schools produce the best minds that align with the government's goal of advancing productivity through technical and vocational education.
Mrs. Ngozi Nkpume urged state and local governments across the country to emulate the Federal Government by introducing policies that benefit the masses. She believes that such measures could help reduce insecurity, crimes, and rising unemployment rates in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the Federal Government has provided a hotline, '07066739319,' for parents to report any exploitation or undue demands by any of the principals of all the FSTC nationwide.