3,400 Nigerian Youths Begin Skills Training in Kano, Jigawa and Sokoto

A new skills development programme targeting 3,400 young Nigerians has commenced across Kano, Jigawa and Sokoto states, as part of efforts to tackle unemployment, promote entrepreneurship and improve economic opportunities for young people.

The initiative, known as the Youth Employability and Skills Project (YESP), is supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union (EU). It is being implemented by Yaba College of Technology in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

The Project Coordinator, Dr Funmilayo Doherty, announced the commencement of the programme on Monday during its launch and induction training in Kano. Participants were introduced to key requirements, including the Global Record Book, National Skills Qualification and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse guidelines.

Doherty explained that the project would cover 30 selected local government areas across the three states, with Kano expected to provide 1,200 beneficiaries, while Jigawa and Sokoto would each have 1,100 participants.

She urged employers, businesses and industry leaders to support the initiative by offering internship placements, apprenticeships, mentorship and employment opportunities to beneficiaries. According to her, such partnerships would help participants turn their newly acquired skills into sustainable sources of income.

The coordinator stressed that Nigeria’s growing youth population could become a major driver of economic development if properly equipped with skills that match the demands of the changing labour market. She also disclosed that particular attention would be given to young women and vulnerable youths who face greater barriers to employment and economic opportunities.

UNICEF Representative at its Kano Field Office, Shafeeq Ur Rehman, described the partnership as evidence of a shared commitment to investing in young people as drivers of economic growth, innovation and sustainable development.

Similarly, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, represented by the Deputy Rector, Dr Ismail Badmus, expressed the institution’s commitment to the programme. He disclosed that the college was targeting 18,000 young people through various skills acquisition initiatives to promote technical education, employability and economic empowerment.

The YESP will provide training in digital, green, technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills, while creating pathways for beneficiaries to secure employment, establish businesses and build sustainable livelihoods.