Katsina Secures 3,500 TVET Training Slots in Federal Skills Programme
Major boost for youth empowerment under Governor Radda’s development agenda
KATSINA – In a significant stride toward youth empowerment, Katsina State has secured 3,500 training slots under the Federal Government’s newly launched Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme — an ambitious national initiative designed to equip young Nigerians with practical, job-ready skills.
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, announced the allocation during an official visit to the Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV). He described the opportunity as a turning point for young people in the state.
“This is your moment,” Prof. Bugaje told trainees and instructors. “Katsina has 3,500 opportunities to train its young people in real trades — and the Federal Government is paying for it.”
Under the TVET programme’s “Master 6” track, participants will receive ₦180,000 in tuition support, a ₦22,500 monthly stipend for six months, and a National Skills Qualification (NSQ) certificate. They will also benefit from starter packs, entrepreneurship training, and access to low-interest loans to help launch post-training ventures.
The TVET initiative, themed “Advancing Skills and Empowering the Future,” was officially launched last week in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Education. It provides three flexible training pathways:
Nationwide training is set to commence in August 2025, and all applicants must register using their National Identification Number (NIN). Training will take place in Vocational Enterprise Institutes (VEIs), Skills Training Centres (STCs), and public technical colleges, focusing on 25 high-demand skill areas. The training format will include 80% hands-on practical sessions and 20% theory-based instruction.
Engr. Kabir Kofar Soro, Coordinator of the KYCV, described the 3,500-slot allocation as a "huge win" for the state and pledged immediate grassroots sensitisation across all local governments in line with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s directive.
“This is a major milestone. We thank the NBTE Executive Secretary for this opportunity. We’ll ensure no young person is left behind,” Kofar Soro stated.
The initiative aligns with Governor Radda’s “Building Your Future” agenda, which prioritises vocational training, employment creation, and inclusive growth. The Governor has consistently advocated for programmes that uplift youth and stimulate local economic development.
Commenting on the broader impact of the initiative, a senior official from the Ministry of Education noted: “This is not just about training; this is national transformation. We’re not producing paper graduates — we’re building a skilled generation.”
Prof. Bugaje reaffirmed that the new skills model meets global benchmarks, preparing Nigerian youth to compete internationally. He also encouraged skills centres like KYCV to build partnerships with industry players to ensure trainees gain real-world experience beyond classroom learning.
With 3,500 slots secured, Katsina emerges as one of the top beneficiaries of the reimagined national skills agenda — and the message to its youth is clear: this is the time to learn, earn, and build a sustainable future.
