Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state inaugurated the state skills development council on Monday, aimed at enhancing skills acquisition across the state.

Mr Sani said that the council would address the state’s skills deficit to enable the citizenry, particularly the youths, to compete in a rapidly changing world.

According to him, the initiative was part of the state government’s commitment to addressing unemployment and improving residents’ livelihoods through essential skills.

“Since assumption of duty in May 2023, the government has resolved to be committed to investing in human capital to position Kaduna State’s youths to meet the evolving demands of the 21st century.

“The move is to make them contribute effectively to the state’s economic development.

“We are determined to address the skills deficits of our people and ensure that they have the necessary skills to fill positions in the industries and businesses we have attracted to the state,” the governor said.

Mr Sani said that the vocational and technology skills acquisition cities in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf, and Soba, under construction, have reached an advanced stage.

“These centres are expected to have a long-term impact on employment generation and economic growth, equipping beneficiaries with essential skills and entrepreneurial opportunities for financial independence.

“The training programmes at the centres will cover various vocational and technical skills, including welding and fabrication, automotive mechatronics, solar power installation, and information and communication technology (ICT).

“The remodelled Panteka Market in Tudun Wada, Kaduna, is set to become a major hub for skills acquisition and job creation, providing training in trades such as carpentry, welding, and electrical work,” he said.

Mr Sani said that the state government was also collaborating with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to provide the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) certification.

He said that the certification is globally recognised and would open up employment opportunities for youths both within and outside the country.

“Certifications from Microsoft, Google, CISCO, and Huawei are also included.

“The Kaduna State Skills Development Council will serve as the highest decision-making body for skills development in the state.

“It will provide leadership and strategic direction for developing and implementing skills acquisition strategies.

“It will develop a skills development framework and an annual action plan, coordinate and supervise the execution, attract technical and donor partners, as well as ensure transparency and inclusion in beneficiary selection,” the governor added.

He said that the executive members of the council, with him as the chairperson, his deputy as the vice and other key officials, were selected because of their skills, competence, and commitment to the good governance agenda.

Idris Bugaje, the executive secretary of the NBTE, represented by Hussaini Mohammed, an official of the board, commended the establishment of the council and other initiatives aimed at up-skilling the state’s residents.

He said that the initiative would significantly reduce the challenge of insecurity fuelled by poverty and unemployment and position the state as a model for skill development in Nigeria.

(NAN)