Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved the merger and transfer of six Community Skills Development Centres (COSDEC) and Business Apprenticeship Training Centres (BATC) to operate under the coordination framework of the Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV).
The affected centres are located in Katsina, Mani, Daura, Dutsinma, Malumfashi and Funtua. The move, according to the government, is part of sustained efforts to strengthen skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development and youth empowerment across the state.
Governor Radda described the decision as a strategic intervention aimed at deepening practical skills development and better equipping young people for employment, self-reliance and innovation. He explained that bringing the centres under a unified framework would help consolidate existing skills training initiatives, promote uniform standards and improve efficiency in the delivery of vocational and technical programmes.
“With this development, skills acquisition and apprenticeship training will now be coordinated under a unified framework that promotes consistency in curriculum delivery, certification, monitoring and measurable outcomes across Katsina State,” the Governor said.
He noted that the policy aligns with his administration’s vision of positioning Katsina State as a hub for practical skills, innovation and self-reliance, in line with global best practices where skills acquisition and entrepreneurship are key drivers of economic growth and job creation.
Governor Radda added that integrating COSDEC and the Business Apprenticeship Training Centres under the Katsina Youth Craft Village would significantly improve access to quality, market-driven skills training for youths across the three senatorial zones of the state.
“This initiative offers renewed hope and expanded opportunities for our young people. By equipping them with relevant and practical skills, we are enhancing employability, promoting self-employment and laying a strong foundation for sustainable livelihoods,” he stated.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth-focused policies, stressing that sustained investment in skills development remains central to building a resilient and inclusive economy for Katsina State.
He also commended the management of the Katsina Youth Craft Village for its role in advancing skills training and assured that the state government would continue to provide the necessary policy and institutional support to ensure the success of the unified framework.
