In a significant move to empower youth in Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has approved a substantial N810 million fund aimed at supporting 4,050 graduates from the Kaduna State Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development. Each graduate will receive N200,000 to assist with essential tools, seed capital, professional registration, or transport costs as they transition into the workforce.

The announcement was made during the institute's inaugural graduation ceremony held at the Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa Campus in Rigachikun. Governor Sani emphasized that the financial support is designed to ease the graduates' entry into various trades and professions, enabling them to establish themselves in their chosen fields.

The funds will be disbursed through the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency, which will oversee the distribution process. Governor Sani highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating that it is part of a broader strategy to create an ecosystem that fosters self-reliance among young people and encourages the development of sustainable enterprises.

Beyond the cash grants, the governor revealed plans for the state government to collaborate with local companies and industries to facilitate job opportunities for the graduates. Additionally, a digital platform is being developed to connect these graduates with potential employers and monitor their employment outcomes over time.

The Kaduna State Institute of Vocational Training operates across three campuses: the Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa Campus in Rigachikun, the Abubakar Dangiwa Umar Campus in Soba, and the Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Campus in Samaru Kataf. The institute offers tuition-free training in 14 trade areas, including electrical installation, welding, computer hardware repairs, catering, masonry, and automotive mechatronics, among others. This comprehensive curriculum combines practical skills with theoretical knowledge, literacy, numeracy, entrepreneurship, and soft skills.

Governor Sani confirmed that the graduates have achieved the National Skills Qualification Level II, thanks to the institute's partnership with the National Board for Technical Education, which ensures that training aligns with national occupational standards.

In a move to further enhance skills acquisition in the state, the governor announced the establishment of the Kaduna State Council on Skills, which he will chair. This council aims to provide a long-term institutional framework for skills development across Kaduna State.

The governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for commissioning the institute in June 2025 and for his ongoing support for the state's development initiatives. The establishment of the vocational institute and the financial support for graduates mark a significant step towards equipping the youth of Kaduna with the necessary skills to thrive in today's job market.