The Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV) has secured a ₦60 million training award under the Federal Ministry of Education’s IDEAS–TVET initiative, a development expected to equip 200 young people with market-ready digital and technical skills.
The approval, issued on 5 November 2025 by the National Project Coordinator of the IDEAS Project, Mrs. Blessing Ogwu, followed a rigorous evaluation supported by the World Bank. KYCV scored 86.25% in its technical assessment, earned a “Satisfactory” eligibility rating, and received a strong recommendation after a physical inspection of its facilities.
Under the programme, the Centre will train 200 youths in Computer Hardware Maintenance and GSM (cell phone) repairs. Each trainee will receive a full skills development package—from foundation classes to NSQ certification and job placement—funded at ₦300,000 per participant at no personal cost.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the achievement as a significant step in his administration’s drive to empower young people and strengthen Katsina’s digital and technical skills ecosystem. He commended the KYCV team for their professionalism, noting that the Centre’s emergence as a certified Training Service Provider (TSP) reflects its growing national recognition.
“This achievement reinforces our belief that with the right investment and leadership, our young people can compete and excel anywhere in Nigeria,” the Governor said. He added that the state will continue expanding opportunities that promote innovation, employment and self-reliance.
The Coordinator of KYCV, Engr. Kabir Abdullahi Kofar Soro, hailed the award as a major breakthrough for the Centre. Although not profit-oriented, he said the programme boosts KYCV’s national visibility and strengthens its path toward long-term sustainability.
He credited Governor Radda’s investments in youth development for the Centre’s recent milestones, including ongoing TVET trainings across the state and upcoming UNDP-supported programmes.
Engr. Kofar Soro reaffirmed his commitment to mentoring young people, saying institutions like KYCV must not only train but inspire youths to embrace creativity, leadership and excellence.
Governor Radda urged youths across the state to take full advantage of emerging opportunities in the modern skills economy, stressing that Katsina’s young people must equip themselves to compete globally.
He noted that he recently approved a comprehensive upgrade of the Craft Village to bring it up to global standards, assuring that government support will continue as the Centre begins implementing the IDEAS–TVET programme once all agreements are signed.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, announced the development in a statement issued on Sunday.
