The federal government has launched the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) – Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative in Katsina State, offering ₦300,000 worth of free training to selected youths in computer hardware repairs and maintenance.
The programme was flagged off under the Federal Ministry of Education’s TVET Initiative Program as part of the IDEAS Project.
Speaking at the ceremony in Katsina, the Coordinator of Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV), Engr. Kabir Abdullahi Kofar Soro, disclosed that the Katsina State Government has invested over ₦4.7 billion to transform the centre into a world-class skills training institution.
He revealed that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda approved over ₦700 million for the comprehensive renovation of KYCV and more than ₦4 billion for the procurement of modern tools, equipment and industrial machinery.
“These landmark investments clearly demonstrate the government’s seriousness in transforming KYCV into a world-class skills training institution that prepares young people for the global economy,” the Coordinator stated.
Engr. Kofar Soro also announced that Governor Radda has strategically merged COSDEC with KYCV. According to him, the move brings all skills training specialists in the state under one roof to strengthen coordination, eliminate duplication and improve service delivery.
He explained that the integration has created a strong concentration of Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA), Internal Quality Assurance Mechanisms (IQAM), and External Quality Assurance Mechanisms (EQAM) at KYCV.
“This consolidated framework ensures that our training programmes meet national standards and align with global best practices,” he said.
The Coordinator recalled that KYCV recently secured a ₦60 million training award from the Federal Ministry of Education to train 200 youths in Computer Hardware Maintenance and GSM Repair under the IDEAS–TVET Initiative.
He disclosed that the centre qualified for the award after scoring 86.25 percent in a technical evaluation conducted by the World Bank-supported Innovation, Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project.
Engr. Kofar Soro further revealed that each of the 200 participants will receive ₦300,000 worth of free training, starting from foundation stage to NSQ certification and job placement.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Radda for what he described as visionary leadership and strong investment in youth development, noting that the state’s financial commitment is unprecedented.
“Without doubt, these milestones will firmly position Katsina Youth Craft Village on the map of leading Skills Centres in the country,” Engr. Kofar Soro stated.
He noted that the TVET Initiative Program forms part of a nationwide Monitoring and Evaluation exercise and will help consolidate gains already recorded while expanding access to high-quality technical education for youths across the state.
Engr. Kofar Soro called on government agencies, development partners, instructors, industry players and community leaders to sustain collaboration to ensure full realization of the programme’s objectives.
“Together, we will build a skilled, empowered and prosperous Katsina State,” the Coordinator assured.
He stressed that KYCV remains committed to providing young people with relevant, industry-driven skills that will make them self-reliant, innovative and globally competitive.
The ceremony was attended by Hon Adnan Nahabu, Commissioner of Higher Vocational and Technical Education; Mustapha Shehu, Executive Secretary, Katsina State Development Management Board; Rukayya Hamza Usman, Executive Director Development Partners KTSDMB; Mustapha S Ingawa, SSA Media and Strategy; representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, IDEAS Project team, development partners, traditional rulers and stakeholders in technical education.
