By ABBAS BAMALLI

The Katsina State Government says it has concluded plans to establish a Skills Development Board, to promote and coordinate vocational education and training for the development of the state.

Gov. Dikko Radda stated this in a statement, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibrahim Kaula, and made available to journalists in Katsina on Saturday.

In the statement to commemorate the 2023 World Youth Skills Day, Radda said that the board, when established, would coordinate public and private sector efforts on skills training.

He said that the board would also facilitate results-based vocational education and align it with economic and community development strategies.

He added that the government also plans to establish high-quality Vocational and Technical Training Centres across the state.

He said that the centres would have a business enterprise unit that would foster partnerships between students and potential employers.

“The centers will also incorporate an industrial attachment programme across all levels of technical education to ensure practical experience for students.

“The Skill Development Centres will focus on meeting the training needs of development sectors and create a link among education institutions, industries, and training providers.

“It will also facilitate training in modern technology, business development, and enterprise skills,” he said.

He added that the promotion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the state would address the current gap in the demand for skill labour.

He said that the government would increase the proportion of students pursuing TVET by 50 per cent.

The governor further said that his administration would implement several strategic interventions to promote skills development in the state.

He identified one of the interventions as the “Building Your Future Strategic Policy” designed to operationalise a thriving skill ecosystem in the state.

According to him, the policy aims to attract and nurture local talents among the youth, with a particular focus on science, technology, and home-grown innovations.

He added that the government intends to build skills with practical applications that would enable the youth to contribute effectively to the socio-economic growth and development of the state.

This, he said, would be done through strategic partnerships with various sectors such as health, education, industry, and agriculture.

The governor added that an Innovation Fund would also be established to support local firms in various industries to enable them to provide apprentice programmes that focus on skills development.

“We will also implement the State Digital Literacy Programme aimed at improving basic digital literacy among youth between the ages of 16 and 30 by 2027.

“Our goal is to achieve at least 60 per cent digital literacy among adults.

“This initiative will equip the future workforce of Katsina State with essential digital skills that will enhance their competitiveness in educational and employment opportunities,” he said.

Radda further said that efforts would be made to develop local content and ensure accessibility to digital devices and online services, particularly by persons with disabilities.

He also said that his administration would equally pay attention to research and development, which he said would be key to the state’s economic transformation agenda.

“My administration remains committed to empowering the youth in Katsina state with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.

“Katsina State is poised to become a hub of talent and innovations by fostering a robust skill ecosystem, establishing strategic partnerships, and implementing targeted interventions.

“This, in the long run, will drive sustainable socio-economic growth and development,” the governor said. (NAN)