The Kaduna State Government has said it is collaborating with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to provide Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) certification for graduates of the three skills centres and Panteka Market.
The State Commissioner of Business Innovations and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai stated this in Kaduna on Sunday.
She said the state government is committed to transforming the state into the nation’s skills hub by providing institutions that will give artisans the requisite training and certification.
The programme, which is part of Governor Uba Sani’s policy of human capital development, will provide training and certification for artisans in various fields, including vocational and technological skills.
According to the Commissioner, the state government has established the Skills Development Council, which comprises various ministries like her Ministry, the Ministry of Sports Development, the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, to oversee the implementation of the programme.
“We are committed to providing our youth with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st-century economy. Our goal is to make Kaduna State the go-to destination for skills acquisition and vocational training,” Fakai said.
She said that as part of the programme, the state government is building three Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Centres in the three senatorial districts of the state.
She added that the centres located in Soba, Rigachukun, and Samarun Kataf would provide training in areas such as carpentry, welding, and electrical installation.
In addition, the Commissioner noted that the state government is remodelling Panteka Market in Kaduna to create a major skills acquisition hub, engaging around 40,000 artisans.
He added that partnership with NBTE was expected to boost the employability of the trainees and provide them with a competitive edge in the job market.
