Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
The National Mass Education Commission (NMEC), in collaboration with the Katsina State Agency for Mass Education, has completed a comprehensive data verification exercise across 20 local government areas in the state.
The initiative, led by Hajiya Bilkisu Kaikai, Executive Director of the Katsina State Agency, was conducted to validate the federal government’s data capture programme. The scheme targets youths, women, and elderly citizens who missed formal schooling, with the aim of training them in vocational skills and equipping them with starter packs for self-reliance.
Initially, the national plan allowed only three local governments per state to benefit. However, Katsina being the second-largest state in terms of local government areas appealed for a wider inclusion. Governor Dikko Umar Radda supported the request, leading to the approval of 20 LGAs, distributed across the three senatorial districts of Funtua, Katsina, and Daura.
During the visits, Kaikai and federal officials inspected activities in all participating LGAs and sensitised residents on how the programme will run. She explained that beneficiaries aged 15 to 100 would receive three months of vocational training in trades of their choice, followed by the provision of starter kits to help them establish businesses.
The exercise concluded with assessments in Batagarawa, Kaita, and Katsina metropolis. Training for the selected beneficiaries is expected to commence soon after the verification.
