Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has raised alarm over the critical skills deficit plaguing Northern Nigeria, calling for urgent and unified action to address the region’s development challenges.
Speaking as the Special Guest and discussant at the Stakeholders Roundtable on Northern Nigeria Youth Development, organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Abuja, the governor stressed the importance of prioritizing skills-based education to empower the region’s youth and drive economic growth.
Addressing the gathering at the NAF Conference Center, Sani revealed the bold initiatives by his administration for closing the skills gap. He announced the establishment of three Vocational and Technological Skills Acquisition Cities in Kaduna State, which will train at least 12,000 youths annually, equipping them with industry-relevant skills to fill gaps in the labour market.
He also highlighted the ongoing transformation of Panteka Market in Kaduna into a major international hub for skills acquisition. The project, set to benefit over 38,000 artisans, includes comprehensive infrastructure upgrades to position the market as a center for job creation and economic activity.
He explained that in order to enhance the employability of graduates, Kaduna State government is collaborating with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to provide Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) certification. He stated that the globally recognized certification will enable graduates to secure jobs locally and internationally, while also receiving start-up packs and financial support to launch their own businesses.
Governor Sani did not shy away from challenging Northern elites to take responsibility for the region’s underdevelopment. He called for introspection and unity to create a comprehensive Marshall Plan for the North, with security and youth engagement at its core.
“This is a time for all hands to be on deck to pull the region back from the brink,” he declared, emphasizing the need for collaboration among political leaders, business figures, traditional rulers, religious institutions, and civil society.
With his forward-looking vision and concrete steps, Uba Sani is rallying Northern Nigeria toward a future of empowerment, stability, and growth. His message at the roundtable resonates as a clarion call for the region to overcome its challenges and unlock its potential.
