Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people through high-quality, market-ready skills programmes that prepare them for the digital economy and technical sectors. This follows the recent approval granted to the Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV) by the Federal Ministry of Education as a certified Training Service Provider under the IDEAS–TVET Initiative, a development described as a major and heart-warming milestone for the Centre, made possible through the Governor’s unwavering support for youth empowerment.

The recognition came after a rigorous evaluation conducted through the Innovation, Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills Project supported by the World Bank. During the assessment, the Centre scored 86.25 percent in its technical evaluation, received a satisfactory eligibility rating, and earned a recommended rating following a detailed physical inspection of its facilities, confirming its capacity to deliver training that meets national standards for skills acquisition.

Under the approved programme, KYCV will train 200 youths in Computer Hardware Maintenance and GSM (Cell Phone) Repair. Each participant will undergo full training from the foundation stage up to NSQ certification and job placement, with the IDEAS Project covering the full ₦300,000 cost per trainee at no personal expense.

In a letter dated 5th November 2025, the National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS Project, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, confirmed that the Centre had met all requirements, qualifying it for a training award of sixty million naira. With this approval, the Centre will train two hundred youths in computer hardware maintenance and GSM repair, with each participant completing training from the foundation level to NSQ certification and job placement. The IDEAS Project will cover the full three hundred thousand naira cost per trainee, ensuring that no participant pays any personal fees to benefit from the programme.

In his message to Governor Radda, the Coordinator of the Centre, Engineer Kabir Abdullahi Kofar Soro, described the award as a significant breakthrough that strengthens the national visibility of the institution. He explained that although the programme is not profit-oriented, it enhances the Centre’s status as an emerging hub of excellence and marks a major step toward long-term sustainability by reducing dependence on state funding. According to him, “Your Excellency, this achievement has strengthened my personal commitment to mentor and guide young people in Katsina State. With your steady leadership and support for youth development, I am confident that our trainees will gain the skills they need and grow into creators, problem-solvers, and leaders who will drive real change in our state and beyond.”

He added that he remains dedicated to guiding young, innovative youths across the state, ensuring they gain both technical skills and the confidence required to compete in global markets. He stressed that institutions like the Centre must inspire and support young people to pursue excellence, creativity, and leadership. He also noted that this achievement aligns with ongoing TVET Initiative training across three centres in the state and upcoming UNDP-supported programmes currently at advanced preparation stages. He attributed the progress to the present administration’s investment in youth development, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment.

Governor Radda commended the management and staff of the Centre for their professionalism, saying their dedication enabled the institution to compete successfully at the national level. He emphasised that his administration remains committed to building inclusive skills development systems that prepare young people for sustainable livelihoods. According to him, “This achievement by the Katsina Youth Craft Village reinforces our belief that with the right investment and leadership, our young people can compete and excel anywhere in Nigeria. We will continue to strengthen training institutions and expand opportunities that lead to employment, innovation, and self-reliance.”

Addressing young people across the state, the Governor urged both male and female youths to take advantage of available opportunities. He noted that the world is increasingly competitive and that the state’s youths must equip themselves to match their peers globally. “Our message to the youth of Katsina is simple: you have the talent, the resilience, and the potential to excel not only in Nigeria but globally,” he said. “That is why, just recently, I approved the comprehensive upgrading of the Katsina Youth Craft Village to meet global standards of similar institutions anywhere in the world. Our doors remain open at all times to support every young person willing to learn, innovate, and build a better future.”

He added that the Centre’s success shows what is possible when government investment aligns with determination from young people. He assured that the administration would continue advancing programmes that promote employability, entrepreneurship, and economic independence. Governor Radda congratulated the Centre for the accomplishment and said the state government would provide full support as implementation of the programme begins following the contract signing and the Memorandum of Understanding.