…“Skills acquisition is our pathway to self-reliance.” – Commissioner Fakai

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has embarked on an ambitious initiative to tackle youth unemployment by establishing three Skills Acquisition Cities across the state’s three senatorial zones.

According to the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai, the initiative is part of the administration’s focus on human capital development and creating a skilled workforce that can drive self-reliance and meet the needs of tech and industrial employers.

Speaking during the quarterly ministerial briefing at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Mrs. Fakai revealed that the new Skills Acquisition Cities are located in Soba (Zone 1), Rigachikun (Zone 2), and Samarun Kataf (Zone 3).

“These centres are expected to graduate 12,000 youths in their first year and 24,000 by the second year across 13 trade areas,” she said.

Some of the trades include welding, aluminium fabrication, fashion design, and solar panel installation. Trainees will receive certifications in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

“We hope most of our unemployed youths will become self-reliant or be employed by reputable companies. This is our strategy for sustainable job creation,” the Commissioner added.

In addition to the Skills Cities, Governor Sani’s administration is also transforming the Panteka Market—a major informal industrial zone in the state—into a fully equipped industrial hub. The market currently hosts over 38,000 artisans involved in trades such as carpentry, masonry, and metal fabrication.

“The Governor is remodeling the market with road networks, ICT infrastructure, a clinic, and a fire station,” said Mrs. Fakai.

She further disclosed that Panteka artisans will also be able to obtain national certifications through the Skills Cities to help them upscale their businesses and attract more formal employment opportunities.

As part of broader employment initiatives, the Ministry has organized career fairs in collaboration with Jobberman and the Mastercard Foundation, connecting over 300 job seekers with potential employers. Job Centres have also been established in both northern and southern Kaduna to guide youths in job applications and CV writing, while matching them with opportunities suited to their skills.

The Commissioner highlighted the success of the AREWA LADIES-4-TECH program, a digital skills training initiative for women in partnership with Data Science Nigeria (DSN) and Google.org, which has trained 5,100 women in ICT and led to employment for more than 60 participants.

Other notable achievements include:

Training of 500 children by UNICEF, with beneficiaries receiving starter packs.

Vocational training in shoemaking and barbering for 22 children in conflict with the law.

Hosting the Nigeria Computer Society Summit to promote ICT knowledge and innovation.

Recognition by the National Council on Communication and Digital Economy as 2nd runner-up for Human Capital Development in ICT.

Launching the first AI and Digital Literacy Content in Hausa to help bridge the digital divide.

Receiving the National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN) Award of Excellence for being the first state to offer free Right of Way for broadband infrastructure.

Earning a special commendation from the Gates Foundation for strides in artificial intelligence, including a special funding commitment.

“Kaduna is leading in innovation, digital inclusion, and skills development. These achievements reflect Governor Sani’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce,” Mrs. Fakai concluded.