The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, inaugurated the Kaduna State Skills Development Council at the Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna. During his address, the governor mentioned that the construction of the Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf, and Soba has reached advanced stages. He emphasized the long-term impact of these centers in terms of employment generation and economic growth.
These centers will provide essential skills and entrepreneurial opportunities, leading to financial independence for the beneficiaries.
The Governor stated that the trainees will be equipped with a variety of vocational and technical skills, including Welding and Fabrication, Articulated Vehicle Driving, Automobile Gas Conversion, Automotive Mechatronics, Solar Power Installation, Electrical Installation, Tiling, POP Making, Carpentry and Joinery, Fashion and Design, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), AI, Aluminum Fabrication, and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
Additionally, he noted the steady progress in the construction of the Remodeled Panteka Market in Tudun Wada, Kaduna, which will serve as a major center for skills acquisition and job creation. Youths will be trained in carpentry, welding, painting, roofing, plumbing, electrical work, and other trades. Collaborative arrangements between the Remodeled Panteka Market and the Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities will be worked out.
The Governor also mentioned the collaboration with NBTE to provide the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) certification, a globally recognized certification that will provide youths with employment opportunities across various industries within and outside the country. Other globally recognized certifications that will be acquired from the centers include Microsoft, Google, CISCO, Huawei, and others.
The members of the Skills Development Council are as follows:
1. Governor as the Chairperson
2. Deputy Governor as the Vice Chairperson
3. Secretary to the State Government
4. Commissioner of Business, Innovation, and Technology
5. Commissioner of Local Government Affairs
6. ALGON Chairman
7. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education
8. Commissioner of Sports Development
9. Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development
10. Special Adviser, Human Capital Development
11. Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education
12. Vice Chancellor, Kaduna State University
13. Deputy Director, Skills Development, NBTE, Kaduna
14. Senior Special Assistant (Support Services) as Secretary of the council.