Skills Development Is Key To Economic Renewal-Uba Sani

Governor Uba Sani has maintained that skills development is central to economic renewal and social inclusion in Nigeria and Government should create the enabling platforms.

The Governor who made this known at the ground breaking of NASENI Skill Development Centre at Rigachukun on Monday, noted that young persons in Nigeria posses the energy, ambition and ingenuity to tap from.

‘’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,’’ he recalled.

Governor Uba Sani 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.’’

According to him, ‘’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.

‘’The NASENI Skill Development Centre represents an investment in the knowledge, competence and enterprise through which individuals build secure livelihoods and societies achieve lasting prosperity,’’ he added.

The Governor expressed optimism that the NASENI Skill Development Centre will deepen the efforts of Kaduna State Government towards Human Capital Development.

He pointed out that the NASENI Skill Development Centre’s value will depend on how effectively it complements existing institutions, responds to industry and equips trainees with capabilities that employers need.

The Governor further said that Kaduna 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.

According to him, ‘’our shared responsibility is to build an institution that earns public confidence through the quality of its training and the achievements of its graduates.

‘’Working together, we can make this Centre a dependable bridge between the aspirations of our people and the opportunities of a productive economy. It should become a place where discipline meets ingenuity, and where useful knowledge translates into greater dignity for families,’’ he added.