The Kano State Government has inaugurated an eleven-member committee to drive skills acquisition initiatives across its tertiary institutions, aiming to better align education with practical job market demands and promote self-reliance among graduates.
The committee was inaugurated on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Ibrahim, by the Permanent Secretary, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs Directorate, Alhaji Umar Jalo.
Ibrahim, emphasized the state’s commitment to producing job creators rather than job seekers by integrating vocational and entrepreneurial training into higher education.
The SSG explained that, the committee comprises professionals with relevant expertise carefully selected to design and implement sustainable, impactful programs.
He said, “It is high time we shifted focus from mere paper qualifications to practical skills that ensure self-reliance. This initiative is timely and essential for empowering our young population.”
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for promptly approving the initiative and praised Dr. Fa’izah Muktar of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology for her vision in conceptualizing the program.
The SSG urged the committee to address the growing issue of unemployable graduates by recommending frameworks that integrate vocational training into academic curricula. He noted that the long-term goal is to ensure that students leave school with both knowledge and marketable skills.
Dr. Muktar will serve as the committee’s chairperson with other members.
The secretariat will be headed by Aliyu Muhammad Sani, Director of Research and Evaluation.
In her remarks, Dr. Fa’izah Adhama Muktar thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve and promised to lead the committee with dedication.
She assured stakeholders of their resolve to deliver actionable solutions that will boost youth empowerment and contribute to economic growth in the state.
Details of the engagement was contained in a press statement by the press Secretary to the SSG Musa Muhammad.
Olusola Akintonde