Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani has launched a Skills Development Council for the state to address youth unemployment and promote economic growth.
During the inauguration of the Council at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday, Governor Sani emphasized that the establishment of the Council reflects the government’s commitment to effectively combat skill shortages in the state.
“We want our citizens to have the requisite skills to fill positions in the industries and other businesses we have attracted to the state.”
“This inauguration is indeed a milestone in our efforts towards addressing our skills deficit and empowering our citizens, especially youths to be relevant in a fast changing world.
“On assumption of office in May 2023, we committed to investing in human capital to put Kaduna State youths in good stead to respond to the fast-changing needs of the 21st Century and to effectively contribute to the economic development of our dear state.
“As you are aware, the construction of the Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf and Soba have reached advanced stages.
The long-term impact of the centres in terms of employment generation and economic growth will undoubtedly be far-reaching as the target beneficiaries would be equipped with the essential skills and entrepreneurial opportunities for financial independence, he remarked.
“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), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Aluminum Fabrication, and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
“The construction of the Remodeled Panteka Market in Tudun Wada, Kaduna is also progressing steadily. The remodeled Panteka Market will be a major centre for skills acquisition and job creation. Youths will be trained in carpentry, welding, painting, roofing, plumbing, electrical work and other trades. We shall work out collaborative arrangements between the Remodelled Panteka Market and the Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities.
“The Kaduna State Government is collaborating with NBTE to provide the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) certification which is an instrument approved by the Federal Executive Council for the development, classification and recognition of skills, knowledge and competencies acquired through technical and vocational training.
“This is a globally recognized certification which will provide our youths with employment opportunities across various industries within and outside the country. Other globally recognized certifications that will be acquired from the centres include Microsoft, Google, CISCO, Huawei and others.
“The Kaduna State Skills Development Council, which I am about to inaugurate, will serve as the highest decision-making organ for skills development in the state. It will provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the development of strategies and an implementation plan for skills acquisition and development.
“The Council has the following terms of reference: Develop a Skills Development Framework for the State; Develop a strategic implementation plan for skill acquisition for the state; Annually, produce an action/operational plan for repositioning the skills development system in Kaduna State, aiming to address youth unemployment and Coordinate and supervise the execution of the operational/action plan.
“Others are to; Identify and attract technical and donor partners to support the strengthening of the skills development system of the state; Ensure objectivity, transparency and inclusion in the selection of beneficiaries for skills acquisition programs with special consideration for females and persons with disabilities; Develop strategies and establish collaboration with employers of labour to secure employment opportunities for trained youths; Collaborate with the National Board for Technical Education to reposition the Skills Development System in Kaduna State and Carry out any other task relevant to the achievement of the Council’s objectives.
“Members of the Kaduna State Skills Development Council have been carefully selected based on their skills, competencies and commitment to the Governance Agenda of our administration. I am confident that you will discharge this responsibility with total commitment and dedication,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Secretary National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje who was represented by Hussaini Mohammed, commended the establishment of the Skills Development Council and other initiatives aimed at up-skilling the state’s residents.
He expressed confidence that, the efforts would significantly reduce the challenges of insecurity fueled by poverty and unemployment, positioning Kaduna as a model for skills development in Nigeria.
According to Professor Bugaje, “at the moment there are huge skill gaps in the oil and gas industry, building construction, engineering services, etc. across the world. If we train our youths they could take up these opportunities and Nigeria shall start earning foreign exchange from dollar remittances.
“The second largest foreign exchange earner in Bangladesh after textiles, is the export of skills, with 11.5 million of Bangladeshis: in the diaspora remitting about $40b annually,” he said.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe will serve as the Vice Chairman of the Skills Development Council, while the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. AbdulKadir Muazu Meyere, Commissioner of Business, Innovation and Technology Member, Commissioner of Local Government Affairs and ALGON Chairman will serve as members.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE