A total of 3,400 young people across Kano, Jigawa and Sokoto states have commenced skills development training under the Youth Employability and Skills Project aimed at improving employment prospects, entrepreneurship and economic independence.

The initiative, supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund and the European Union, is being implemented by Yaba College of Technology in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund.

Project Coordinator, Dr Funmilayo Doherty, announced the commencement of the programme on Monday during its launch and induction exercise in Kano. She said participants were introduced to the Global Record Book, National Skills Qualification and guidelines on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

According to Doherty, the programme will cover 30 local government areas across the three states, with Kano accounting for 1,200 beneficiaries, while Jigawa and Sokoto will each have 1,100 participants.

She urged employers, business leaders and industry stakeholders to support the trainees through internships, apprenticeships, mentorship and job opportunities, stressing that practical exposure was essential to converting acquired skills into sustainable livelihoods.

Doherty noted that Nigeria’s youthful population could serve as a major driver of economic growth if equipped with competencies aligned with the evolving demands of the labour market.

She also disclosed that the programme would prioritise young women and vulnerable youths to ensure that individuals facing barriers to economic opportunities were not excluded.

UNICEF Representative at its Kano Field Office, Shafeeq Ur Rehman, described the partnership as a demonstration of the commitment of stakeholders to empowering young people to contribute to economic growth, innovation and sustainable development.

Similarly, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, represented by the Deputy Rector, Dr Ismail Badmus, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to technical education and youth empowerment.

Abdul disclosed that the college was targeting 18,000 young people through various skills acquisition initiatives.

The Youth Employability and Skills Project is designed to provide training in digital, green, technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills, alongside opportunities for employment and business development.