From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Kaduna State has graduated its first batch of 4,050 skilled youths and approved an N810 million grant to support them in starting businesses.
Speaking, the Governor Uba Sani noted that investing in human capacity is the most sustainable way for the state to achieve peace and prosperity.
Our correspondent reports that the first graduation ceremony of the Kaduna State Institute of Vocational Training and Skill Development held on Tuesday at the Abubakar Balarabe Musa Campus, Rigachikun, Igabi LGA. Graduates from the institute’s three campuses — Abubakar Balarabe Musa Campus, Rigachikun; Abubakar Dangiwa Umar Campus, Soba; and Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Campus, Samaru-Kataf — received the National Skills Qualification Level 2 under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework.
Governor Sani described the event as “not merely presenting certificates” but “celebrating competence, discipline, resilience, and the dignity of productive work.”
He said the institute reflects his administration’s belief that development should expand human potential beyond infrastructure projects alone.
“We are building an ecosystem in which a young person does not have to wait for a government job to become economically relevant,” he stated.
The graduates were trained tuition-free across 14 trade areas, including electrical installation, welding and fabrication, solar installation, automotive mechatronics, fashion design, computer hardware repair, and catering. The program also included literacy, numeracy, entrepreneurship, and life skills.
To help with the transition to work, the governor announced an N810 million fund to be distributed through the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency for tools, working capital, workspace, and registration.
He added that over 25 companies in Kaduna are ready to hire about 500 graduates, and a digital platform is being developed to connect graduates with employers.
Governor Sani paid tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for commissioning the institute in June 2025 and for federal support in security, agriculture, light rail, health, and education.
“Under President Tinubu, the hopes of the nation have been given wings to fly. Kaduna State will certainly repay Mr. President during the 2027 general election, by God’s grace,” he said.
The governor noted that the Kaduna State Council on Skills, inaugurated in August 2024 and chaired by him, provides strategic leadership.
He cited national recognition by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.
He pointed to Ibrahim Abubakar Jikanshi, a Kaduna trainee named overall best artisan at the 6th National Construction Artisan Awards in Abuja in February 2026.
He added that the state is also remodeling Panteka Market into a skills and enterprise hub.
He charged the beneficiaries to not despise small beginnings.
“One repaired computer, one properly welded building, one well-made garment can become the foundation of an everlasting enterprise.
“Carry the name of this institute with pride and become ambassadors of excellence, reliability, and integrity,” he stated.
A special tribute was paid to Professor Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of NBTE, described by the hosts as “the best we have in skill development in Nigeria.”
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, Prof. Bugaje announced that the Federal Ministry has adopted Kaduna’s 14 training manuals as national standards.
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