By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government is investing in skills acquisition as a path to youth self-reliance and employability, according to the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai.
Speaking at a ministerial briefing in Kaduna, Fakai said Governor Uba Sani’s administration has built three Skills Acquisition Cities in Soba, Rigachikun, and Samaru Kataf. The centres aim to train 12,000 youths in the first year and 24,000 by the second, in trades such as welding, solar installation, and fashion design.
She added that trainees will earn certifications in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), while artisans at Panteka Market will also benefit through remodeling efforts and ICT support.
The state has also trained 5,100 women in ICT under the Arewa Ladies-4-Tech initiative with support from DSN and Google.org, and organized career fairs linking over 300 job seekers with employers.
Kaduna received national recognition for broadband infrastructure and digital literacy efforts, including launching AI content in Hausa and receiving commendation from the Gates Foundation.
