Katsina State has achieved a major milestone in Nigeria’s education sector by becoming the first state to translate the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) training manuals into the Hausa language The groundbreaking initiative is expected to improve access to technical and vocational education, particularly for millions of Hausa speaking residents in rural communities
The development has received high praise from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which described the project as a significant step toward promoting inclusive skills acquisition and human capital development Education stakeholders believe the initiative could serve as a model for other states seeking to expand vocational learning opportunities
By removing language barriers, the Katsina State Government aims to empower more young people with practical skills, improve employability, and support economic growth through accessible technical education
NBTE Commends Katsina for Historic Hausa Translation Project
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, applauded the Katsina State Government for pioneering the translation of National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) training manuals into Hausa
Speaking during a courtesy visit by officials of the Katsina Youth Craft Village to the NBTE headquarters in Kaduna, Bugaje described the achievement as a landmark development in Nigeria’s technical education sector
According to him, translating vocational learning materials into indigenous languages will significantly increase participation in technical education, especially among rural populations where language often limits access to formal training
He also credited Governor Dikko Radda’s administration for prioritiz ing skills development through sustained funding and strategic investments
Over ₦5 Billion Invested in Katsina Youth Craft Village
Prof. Bugaje further praised the Katsina State Government for investing more than ₦5 billion in upgrading the Katsina Youth Craft Village
He noted that the investment has transformed the institution into one of Nigeria’s leading technical and vocational training center quipped to produce highly skilled artisans capable of meeting modern industry demands
According to him, the renewed government support has improved infrastructure, expanded training opportunities, and strengthened practical learning across multiple vocational fields
Hausa Manuals to Expand Access to Skills Education
The State Coordinator of the Katsina Youth Craft Village, Kabir Kofar Soro, explained that the translation project was designed to bridge educational gaps affecting Hausa-speaking communities
Breaking Language Barriers
Kabir said many rural residents struggle to benefit from vocational programs because instructional materials are often available only in English
By translating the manuals into Hausa, trainees can better understand technical concepts, making it easier to apply the knowledge in real life occupations and businesses
He added that the initiative aligns with efforts to improve literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce development across northern Nigeria
Over 1,600 Trainees Set for Graduation
Kabir revealed that the institution currently provides training across 14 vocational trades and is preparing to graduate 1,662 trainees next month
The figure represents a remarkable increase compared to the previous graduation, where about 600 trainees completed their programs
He also disclosed that between 80 and 85 percent of graduates are already running businesses or working in industries related to the vocational skills they acquired, demonstrating the effectiveness of the training programs
NBTE Recommends National Adoption of Hausa Manuals
Prof. Bugaje encouraged the Katsina State Government to pursue nationwide adoption of the Hausa-translated manuals so other institutions can benefit from the initiative
He also suggested translating selected materials into Ajami script to make technical education more accessible to Almajiri pupils and other learners more familiar with the Arabic based writing system
The NBTE boss further urged the Katsina Youth Craft Village to expand its programs to prepare skilled artisans for major national infrastructure projects, including
- The Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano Gas Pipeline
- The proposed Nigeria Morocco Gas Pipeline
- The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project
He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to supporting the initiative and confirmed NBTE’s readiness to participate in the institution’s forthcoming graduation ceremony
Leave a Reply