By Our Reporter
Katsina State has recorded a major milestone in technical and vocational education as six vocational training centres across the state have secured official national recognition under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), ending decades of unsuccessful attempts to attain the status.
The centres, formerly known as Community Skills Development Centres (COSDEC), are located in Katsina, Daura, Dutsin-Ma, Malumfashi, Mani and Funtua.
The approval was announced by the management of the Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV), which described the development as a turning point for skills acquisition and workforce development in the state.
The recognised centres include COSDEC Katsina, established in 1972; COSDEC Funtua and COSDEC Daura, both established in 1976; and COSDEC Malumfashi, Dutsin-Ma and Mani, which were established in 1982.
According to a statement signed by the Coordinator of the Katsina Youth Craft Village, Engr. Kabir Abdullahi Kofar Soro, some of the centres had existed for more than five decades without attaining the strategic national status.
He attributed the breakthrough to the commitment of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration to youth empowerment and human capital development.
“Some of these centres have existed for over fifty years without attaining this strategic status and recognition,” Kofar Soro said.
He noted that despite having equipment and skilled personnel over the years, the centres were previously unable to access major technical and vocational education interventions such as the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and IDEAS programmes.
According to him, deliberate investments and reforms by the present administration repositioned the centres to meet the standards required for recognition under the National Skills Qualifications Framework.
Kofar Soro said Governor Radda’s investments in infrastructure, training facilities and modern equipment demonstrated his administration’s determination to equip young people with employable and entrepreneurial skills.
He explained that the approval would enable youths in Katsina State to obtain nationally recognised skills certifications, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the labour market and expanding opportunities for self-employment.
“The approval is equally projected to elevate the overall standard of vocational training delivery across the state,” he said.
The KYCV coordinator added that the achievement was the culmination of sustained efforts by the institution to strengthen technical and vocational education and align training programmes with national standards.
The management of the Katsina Youth Craft Village commended Governor Radda for what it described as his visionary leadership and unwavering support for skills development initiatives.
It also acknowledged the contributions of technical partners, staff and other stakeholders whose collective efforts helped secure the recognition.
Observers say the development is expected to boost vocational education in Katsina State, improve access to nationally recognised certifications and create more opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship.
