FIC Report (Kaduna State) – The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Kaduna State Government have officially flagged off the Uba Sani Skills Ambassadors (USSA) Programme with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at equipping vulnerable women with industry-relevant vocational skills for economic empowerment.
The opening ceremony marked the commencement of a strategic partnership between NBTE and the Kaduna State Government to train and certify 200 vulnerable women in two batches under the USSA initiative.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, explained that although the programme was originally designed to run for six months, it has been compressed into a three-month intensive training to enable more beneficiaries to participate within the same period.
According to him, the first batch of 100 beneficiaries will immediately commence the three-month training, after which they will receive nationally recognized certificates as well as starter packs to support their transition into entrepreneurship. A second batch of another 100 women will subsequently be enrolled, bringing the total number of beneficiaries under the programme to 200 vulnerable women.
Prof. Bugaje emphasized the critical role of women in national development, noting that investing in their education and skills has far-reaching benefits for society.
“When you educate a woman, it is like educating a nation, but when you educate a man, you educate only one person,” he said.
He urged the trainees to remain focused and committed throughout the programme, stressing that the objective of the initiative is to produce entrepreneurs and employers of labour rather than job seekers.
The NBTE Executive Secretary also advised the beneficiaries to place great value on the certificates they would earn upon completion of the programme, describing NBTE certification as highly respected across Nigeria and beyond.
He noted that the competence-based certification awarded by NBTE carries significant credibility and can open employment opportunities wherever the beneficiaries may find themselves.
Prof. Bugaje further commended the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, particularly the empowerment of women through skills acquisition.
He described the USSA Programme as a practical demonstration of the governor’s passion for creating sustainable livelihoods and reducing poverty through technical and vocational education.
As the assessment and awarding body, NBTE will ensure that all beneficiaries undergo standardized training and competency-based assessments in line with national occupational standards before being certified.
The Uba Sani Skills Ambassadors Programme is expected to contribute significantly to economic inclusion by equipping vulnerable women with practical skills, enhancing their employability, and supporting them to establish sustainable businesses with the starter packs provided after graduation.
Signed:
Muhammad Gwani
AD FIRC KADUNA
17th July,2026.
