Katsina secures national recognition for six vocational centres after 50 years

Katsina State has secured national recognition for six vocational training centres more than 50 years after some of the institutions were established, in a move expected to expand access to nationally certified technical skills training for young people in the state.

The Management of the Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV) announced the approval of six vocational centres, formerly known as Community Skills Development Centres (COSDEC), located in Katsina, Daura, Dutsin-Ma, Malumfashi, Mani, and Funtua.

The centres were established as follows: COSDEC Katsina (1972), COSDEC Funtua (1976), COSDEC Daura (1976), COSDEC Malumfashi (1982), COSDEC Dutsin-Ma (1982), and COSDEC Mani (1982). Some of these centres have existed for over fifty years before attaining this strategic national recognition.

In a statement signed by Kabir Abdullahi Soro, Coordinator of the Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV), the centres were confirmed to have received official recognition from the national body, marking a turning point for technical and vocational education in the state.

“Some of these centres have existed for over fifty years without attaining this strategic status and recognition,” the KYCV Coordinator noted.

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According to the statement, despite the relative availability of equipment and manpower in the COSDEC centres over the years, the centres were unable to secure major interventions such as the TVET and IDEAS initiatives.

“Under the present administration, deliberate efforts and strategic support have repositioned the centres to attain the requirements and recognition of the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF),” the statement read in part.

Kabir further explained that Governor Dikko Radda investment in modern tools, training facilities, and infrastructure demonstrates his strong belief in empowering young people with employable and entrepreneurial skills. He added that the Governor’s intervention was instrumental in repositioning the centres to fulfil their original mandate.

Kabir, emphasised that Katsina youths will now gain access to nationally recognised skills certifications, a development expected to improve their competitiveness in both the formal job market and the entrepreneurial space.

“The approval is equally projected to elevate the overall standard of vocational training delivery across the state,” he stated.

The KYCV Management expressed appreciation to Radda for what it described as his “visionary leadership, generosity, and dedication toward building a skilled and productive society.” The Management also acknowledged the contributions of technical partners, staff, and all stakeholders whose collective efforts made the achievement possible.