Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has maintained that skills development is central to economic renewal and social inclusion in Nigeria, as he urged the government to create the enabling platforms.
The governor, who made this known at the groundbreaking of NASENI Skill Development Centre at Rigachukun on Monday, noted that young persons in Nigeria possess the energy, ambition and ingenuity to tap into.
He pointed out that the centre’s value will depend on how effectively it complements existing institutions, responds to industry and equips trainees with capabilities that employers need.
He also noted that the centre represents an “investment in the knowledge, competence and enterprise through which individuals build secure livelihoods and societies achieve lasting prosperity.”
Sani said, ‘’Government has a responsibility to create conditions in which these qualities can flourish through relevant training, recognised qualifications and fair access to productive opportunities. This conviction informs our investment in the Kaduna State Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development.
‘’In August, we celebrated 4,050 graduates from its campuses in Rigachikun, Soba and Samaru Kataf. Their training covered 14 trades, including Electrical Installation, Aluminium Fabrication, Solar Installation, Mechatronics, Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance, Catering and Hospitality, and Fashion Design.”
Sani also disclosed that ‘’the institute secured accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education, while instructors received training as Quality Assurance Assessors and Internal Quality Assurance Managers.
“These measures strengthen the credibility of assessment and certification, giving employers greater confidence in the competence of our graduates.
‘’Today, we lay the foundation for an institution that will expand opportunity, strengthen productive capacity and prepare our people for the demands of a changing economy.”
Sani expressed optimism that the skill development centre will deepen the efforts of the state government towards Human Capital Development.
He further said that the state government looks forward to programmes grounded in practical competence, credible certification and clear pathways into employment and enterprise.
‘’Access must be integral to that ambition. Women, persons with disabilities and young people in underserved communities must have meaningful opportunities to participate. Their inclusion will broaden our pool of talent and ensure that the benefits of development reach households too often excluded from opportunity,’’ he added.
‘’Kaduna State has provided the required site and remains fully committed to facilitating this project. I commend the contractors for mobilising equipment and demonstrating readiness to commence work.
‘’I urge NASENI, the project team and contractors to uphold agreed standards and timelines. Timely delivery and sound construction must be matched by careful preparation for effective operation,’’ he added, among others.
Earlier, the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Halilu Khalil, said the centre was designed to bridge the gap between technical training and the practical skills required by businesses and industries, enabling young people to secure employment, improve existing trades or establish their own enterprises.
He said the facility would provide technical and vocational training tailored to the needs of industry, adding that access to skilled workers was essential for businesses seeking to improve production, maintain equipment and enhance the quality of their products.
“At NASENI, we understand that equipment alone cannot industrialise a nation. Every productive investment needs people who understand how it works, how to improve it, and how to keep it working,” Halilu said.
He explained that NASENI’s responsibilities extended beyond research and product development to building the technical capacity required to install, operate, maintain and eventually manufacture technologies locally, among others.