Weird Boss

I have a really weird boss. We were given a chance to attend free training outside of company and he doesn't allow us to go as he say it is not related. One thing I know about him is if it does not interest him a single bit, he is not willing to even take a look at it. Even my friend who wanted to attend the HP UX training was not allowed as my boss mention it is not related. To me, it is ok to add on knowledge (that is what they encourage to do also) and now you don't allow us to attend the training? What double standards and how contradicting.