The Provost of Kaduna State College of Education, Gidanwaya, Dr. Ayuba Ambi Aku, has called on staff and students of the institution to embrace skills acquisition as a pathway to sustainable economic development and self-reliance.
Dr. Aku gave the charge on Wednesday, during the maiden celebration of World Youth Skills Day organized by the School of Vocational and Technical Education at the College’s main campus in Gidanwaya.
The event, observed annually on July 15 by the United Nations, is aimed at highlighting the importance of equipping young people with technical, vocational, digital and entrepreneurship skills for national development.
Speaking at the occasion, the Provost commended the School of Vocational and Technical Education for the impressive exhibition of products and projects by students. He urged both staff and students to sustain the momentum and continue to improve programs that will enhance the overall growth of the college.
“The Kaduna State Government has shown strong commitment to vocational education through the establishment of skills acquisition centers across the three senatorial zones of the state,” Dr. Aku said.
“This is a clear demonstration of government’s determination to empower youths and drive skill development in the state.” He added.
In her welcome address, the Dean of the School of Vocational and Technical Education, Dr. Doshiya Gloria Barwa, said this year’s event was the first of its kind in the college. She noted that World Youth Skills Day was initiated by the UN in 2014 to promote skills development among youths globally.
Dr. Barwa described the school as a “practical skills hub” that trains and mentors entrepreneurs. She added that given the current economic realities in the country, the school has a responsibility to equip staff and students with relevant technical skills for financial independence.
According to her, the School is aligning with both federal and state government goals on skills acquisition, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that all technical institutions prioritize practical skills training.
“The School of Vocational and Technical Education has five departments – Agricultural Science, Business Education, Fine and Applied Arts, Home Economics, and Technical Education. All are committed to training students in various skills for self-reliance,” she stated.
The theme for this year’s World Youth Skills Day is “Skills for A Secure Future.”
Highpoint of the event included an exhibition of products from the five departments, expert talks, and an enlightenment rally within the college community.