In a significant move to boost youth employment and economic development, Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has successfully revived three state-owned entrepreneurship institutes that had been abandoned for eight years under the previous administration.
Three Institutes Brought Back to Life
The reinstated institutes include the Poultry Institute, Development Journalism Institute, and Artisan Fisheries Institute, all part of the 26 entrepreneurship centres originally established by the state government to promote skills acquisition and job creation.
According to Dr Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, Special Adviser to the Governor on Human Resources and Secretary of the Steering Committee for the 26 Entrepreneurship Institutes, the revival reflects Governor Yusuf's strong commitment to human capital development.
"This initiative demonstrates our governor's determination to provide sustainable opportunities for the teeming youth and women of Kano State," Dr Ibrahim stated.
Breakdown of Beneficiaries and Training Programs
The newly revived institutes have already admitted their first batch of trainees, with comprehensive programs designed to address specific economic needs:
The Poultry Institute has enrolled 600 women who will receive training in poultry farming, including bird breeding, feed formulation, and disease control. These skills are expected to significantly enhance food security and boost household income generation across both rural and urban communities.
The Development Journalism Institute has admitted 200 aspiring journalists and digital media practitioners. Their curriculum will cover ethical reporting, media literacy, and effective use of digital communication tools to promote responsible journalism and civic engagement.
Similarly, the Artisan Fisheries Institute has taken in 200 small-scale and traditional fishers who will undergo training in sustainable fishing practices, aquaculture, and fish processing techniques aimed at improving local fish production and reducing dependence on external supply chains.
Expanding Impact Across Kano State
Dr Ibrahim revealed that since the committee's inauguration in mid-2024, 14 institutes have been revived, with the remaining centres at various stages of completion and expected to reopen soon.
"So far, the reopened institutes have trained and empowered 3,570 youth and women," he announced, providing details of ongoing training programs across multiple locations.
Current training includes 600 women at the Poultry Institute, 200 at the Livestock Institute in Bagauda, 200 at the Fisheries Institute in Bagauda, 200 at the Film Institute, 200 at the Artisan Fisheries Institute in Magaga, Gwarzo Local Government Area, and another 200 at the Development Journalism Institute.
With the latest admissions of 1,000 beneficiaries, the total number of people trained across all revived centres now stands at 5,870 individuals.
Additional enrollments are underway, with 250 beneficiaries admitted into the Informatics Institute and another 250 into the Driving Institute, with training scheduled to commence this month.
The Kano Entrepreneurship Development Institute (KEDI) is also in the process of enrolling another 250 youth and women for fresh training cycles expected to begin this month.
This comprehensive revival of entrepreneurship institutes underscores Governor Yusuf's commitment to expanding technical and vocational education, strengthening the local economy, and fulfilling his campaign promise to invest in human capital development.
Dr Ibrahim described the initiative as "a significant step towards achieving sustainable development goals in Kano State and building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that will support long-term economic growth."
