A state government announced a new policy offering free tuition to students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programmes at state-owned tertiary institutions, as part of efforts to boost enrollment in critical fields.

Officials say the policy will cover tuition and provide a stipend for laboratory materials, with funding drawn from the state’s education budget.

“We want our brightest minds choosing STEM without financial barriers standing in their way,” the state’s commissioner for education said.

The policy takes effect from the next academic session. Education advocates have called for similar measures at the federal level to address a nationwide shortage of STEM graduates.