Governor Uba Sani is dedicated to transforming Kaduna State into a leading skills hub in Nigeria by establishing institutions that will provide artisans with the necessary training and certification.

The commitment was highlighted in a statement on Sunday by the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai.

She explained that this initiative is part of the Governor’s broader policy on Human Capital Development.

Mrs. Fakai pointed out that Governor Sani has already established the Skills Development Council, which includes her Ministry, the Ministry of Sports Development, the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development.

In pursuit of this goal, Mrs. Fakai disclosed that she and officials from her ministry met with the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, on Saturday to further the Governor’s objectives.
The statement also revealed that the state government is building three Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Centers in each of the three senatorial districts of the state. These centres will be located in Soba, Rigachukun, and Samarun Kataf in Soba, Igabi, and Zangon Kataf local government areas, respectively.

According to Mrs. Fakai, the purpose of these centres is to equip the people of Kaduna State with 21st-century skills to foster independence and self-employment.

In addition, the state government is remodelling Panteka Market in Kaduna to become a major skills acquisition centre that will engage approximately 40,000 artisans. Necessary infrastructure is being put in place to support this transformation.

Mrs. Fakai also emphasized that her ministry is collaborating with NBTE to provide Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) certification for graduates of the three skills centres and Panteka Market, ensuring they are recognized for their expertise.