KATSINA — The Katsina State Youth Craft Village (KYCV), in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has completed the training of certified Quality Assurance Assessors under the National Skills Qualification Framework.
The programme, held at the Katsina centre of the institution, was designed to strengthen competency-based education and improve the assessment of vocational skills in line with national standards.
Coordinator of the Youth Craft Village, Kabir Abdullahi Kofar Soro, described the initiative as the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria, noting that it forms part of ongoing reforms in technical and vocational education supported by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
According to NBTE consultant, Khalil Yusuf, the programme began in March with intensive classroom sessions followed by fieldwork and final assessments.
He explained that the training focused on shifting vocational education from paper qualifications to practical competency-based evaluation.
“We are moving beyond paper qualifications to practical, demonstrable skills. What matters now is what an individual can actually do,” Yusuf said.
He disclosed that 35 participants enrolled for the programme, while 33 successfully completed the training, expressing optimism that the initiative would record over 90 per cent success.
Participants received training in carpentry and joinery, electrical and solar installation, catering and hospitality, fashion design, garment making, and ICT-related fields.
Yusuf said the programme would also help formalise the informal sector by documenting skilled workers and standardising competency assessment.
The graduates are now certified Quality Assurance Assessors responsible for evaluating trainees in line with National Occupational Standards developed by NBTE.
Some of the participants described the programme as transformative. Ibrahim Isa said the training improved his understanding of competency-based assessment, while Muhammad Ahmad noted that the initiative aligns with global best practices that prioritise practical skills over conventional examinations.
The programme, officially known as the Quality Assurance Assessors Training (Level 3), is expected to strengthen workforce development and enhance skills-based education in Katsina State.
