Radda flags off new era of skills devt as 634 trainees graduate from KYCV

By Fauziyya Lawal, Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has described the graduation of 634 youths from the Katsina Youth Craft Village KYCV as a significant milestone in the state’s efforts toward youth empowerment, skills development and inclusive economic growth.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Governor Radda noted that the event marked a turning point in the journey to reposition technical and vocational education in Katsina. Each of the 634 graduating trainees received a trade specific starter pack, the first of its kind since the establishment of the institution aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and self reliance.

“Today’s event is more than a ceremonial milestone. It is a testament to our shared belief in the power of education, skill acquisition and opportunity as tools for transformation” the Governor stated.He outlined a series of reforms that have repositioned KYCV as a Centre of Excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training TVET.

These include the development of a business sustainability framework, benchmarking visits to global institutions such as SENAI in Brazil, accreditation under the National Skills Qualification Framework NSQF and investments in instructor training and up-skilling.

Radda also highlighted the procurement of modern industry standard tools, the creation of an alumni engagement strategy, implementation of a monitoring and evaluation system and integration with key community based facilities such as the Multipurpose Women Centre in Filin Samji and the Groundnut Processing Centre in Kankiya.

The Governor also announced plans to introduce ten new departments at KYCV, alongside major renovations and re-equipping of existing facilities, aimed at making the institution a national model for skills development.“These starter packs are not mere handouts; they are tools for empowerment.

We have implemented accountability measures including agreements with parents or guardians, a monitoring system and oversight by security agencies,” he said, warning that any graduate found selling the kits would face strict consequences.

Earlier the Coordinator of KYCV, Engr. Kabir Abdullahi Kofar Soro, praised the Governor for his transformative leadership. He announced a new Memorandum of Understanding MoU with a leading skills institution in Kano to expand KYCV’s capacity and reach.“All 634 trainees were selected based on merit from all local government areas of the state. With modern tools and international partnerships, KYCV is now better positioned to deliver high-impact training,” he said.

Former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema, under whose administration KYCV was established, commended the Radda administration for continuing and expanding the vision. “I am proud to see this centre thriving. These graduates are a testament to what focused and consistent leadership can achieve,” Shema said.

Graduates were trained in 15 trades, including tailoring, catering, ICT, shoemaking, welding, carpentry, GSM repairs, pottery, and leatherwork