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FG expends N5.9bn on training, monthly stipends of N-power beneficiaries in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq on Wednesday disclosed that the Federal Government is committing the sum of over N5.9 billion on training, tooling and monthly stipends for the Batch C beneficiaries of N-Power programme in Kano State.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Minister stated this during the closing ceremony of 177 beneficiaries who undergo training in Smart Phone repairs and services under the N-Skills programme, a component of the N-Power programme in Kano State.
She said about 16,629 youths are currently benefiting from the programme (under Batch C) in the state while about 18,042 had benefitted in the Batch A and B of the programme.
Farouq represented by Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on N-Skills, Dr. Nasiru Mahmoud however sounded words of warning to the N-Skills beneficiaries not to sell starter packs handed over to them after the programme which was well conceived to take out unemployed and turn them to employers of labour.
According to her, “We have had such experience in the past where beneficiaries engaged in selling of the starter packs, that is unfortunate. Do not sell them as they are meant for your judicious use to take you out of unemployment circle and turn you to employers of labour. The programme is well conceived to address poverty and unemployment.
“The N-Skills programme, is based on a certification system and accreditation of practical training provided through the informal apprenticeship System anchored by Master Craft Persons (MCPs) and the formal training system including using the Community Skills Development Centres (COSDECs) in many States.
“The programme aims to improve the quality and relevance of skills delivered using a certification system and to ease the transition of target beneficiaries to full-time skilled employment, self-employment and/or further their education. It targets marginalized and disadvantaged population, including those with primary or no-formal education.
“The N-Skills programme in line with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) for the development, classification and recognition of skills, knowledge and competencies acquired by individuals, irrespective of where and how the training or skill is acquired. It will help in bridging the gap in demand for standard and market relevant skills.
“The N-Skills accommodates many skills-based enterprises, this Smart Phone Repairs is used to pilot the programme under the N-Power non-graduate component. The programme is designed to train, tool and transition marginalized unemployed youths into the labour market to gainfully be employed. The Ministry worked with technical service providers to provide the N-Skills training services to 6,475 unemployed youths across the Federation.
“On successful completion of the in-center training, beneficiaries will be issued a Certificate of Attendance and given a starter pack such as Rework Soldering Station (Soldering Iron), Digital Multimeter, Set of Precision Screwdriver and Repair Tool Kit as well as Magnifying lamp that would enable them to start the smart phone repairs business. Business Clinics are also being set up in partnership with States and FCT to provide post-training business start-up and entrepreneurship mentoring and support to the beneficiaries of the programme.
“This is consistent with the national aspiration of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years,” she said.
On the N-Power programme, Farouq said, “The graduate and non-graduate components of the N-Power programme have been expanded to provide job opportunities for 16,629 unemployed youths in Kano State under Batch C, following the successfully exiting of 18,042 youths under Batches A & B. You may wish to note that under the National Social Investment Programme, NSIP, the Federal Government is investing over N5.9 billion for the training, tooling and/or payment of monthly stipends on the Batch C beneficiaries. This is a tremendous direct injection of resources at the grassroots and in the hands of the youths.
“Through the N-Power programme, the provision of much-needed services in the education, health and agricultural sectors will be enhanced in the State and the beneficiaries will be engaged in income-generating activities that would contribute to local economic growth,” the Minister noted.
One of the beneficiaries, Maha Jamilu Alkali commended the Federal Government for the gesture which he said would go a long way to address high rate of unemployment among youth in the state.
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Education Renaissance: Governor Yusuf to Boost Learning and Safety in Kano’s Public Schools
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Kano’s public schools, with a particular focus on upgrading infrastructure and creating a conducive learning environment.
This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Friday.
Speaking during a visit to Governor’s College on Thursday, Governor Yusuf inspected newly delivered furniture and instructional materials provided by the Ministry of Education.
He noted that these efforts are part of a broader initiative to revitalize public primary, junior, and secondary schools across the state, reversing the deteriorating state of the education sector.
The Governor was warmly received by enthusiastic students, teachers, and staff at the college, where he promised swift reforms aimed at strengthening the academic experience and preparing students for a bright future.
He also expressed pride in the improvements made at the school and announced plans to further enhance the capacity of the teaching staff.
Governor Yusuf revealed that his administration is set to construct a pedestrian bridge near the College, along Ibrahim Taiwo Road, to ensure student safety and prevent accidents.
Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s determination to tackle the challenges facing the education sector, promising that the declared state of emergency in education would result in significant progress and the restoration of Kano’s educational prestige.
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KSCHMA coverage increased by 37% in 15 months – E.S
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) has recorded 37% increase in number of its enrolees in the last 15 months.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Executive Secretary of the Agency Dr. Rahila Aliyu Mukhtar revealed this during a consultative engagement with organised labour on how to improve the healthcare service in the scheme.
She explained that, the primary services accessed by the enrolees under the scheme from 2022 to second quarter of 2024 stands at 1,852,485, while secondary healthcare services accessed stands at 28, 932 across the engaged healthcare providers.
In his remark, the Commissioner State Ministry of Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf assured government support and commitment toward the successful implementation of the scheme and general improvement of healthcare services.
On his part, the State Head of Service Alhaji Abdullahi Musa said Kano state government government attached priority attention to the welfare of workers, adding that, the Contributory Healthcare scheme was not meant for workers alone but all residents of Kano.
He also solicited the support and cooperation of labour unions in order to move KSCHMA to greater height.
Also speaking the chairman Nigeria labour Congress (NLC) Kano state council Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, said that, the union being the major contributor of the scheme would not fold it arms while their members suffered in accessing the needed care.
He reiterated their commitment to ensure that their members received what they deserved by the healthcare providers.
Highlight of the event include paper presentation and group work on implementation of the scheme; challenges and recommendation.
A statement sent to KANO FOCUS by the public relations officer of the agency Nura Muhammad Yusuf said the workshop was conducted with support from FCDO Lafiya.
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EU partners UNICEF to enhance school safety, quality education in Kano
Aminu Abdullahi
The United Nations Children’s Fund has trained over 40 educational stakeholders under the Educational and Youth Empowerment Project (EYE).
KANO FOCUS reports that the participants undergone two day training on school safety, security, and climate literacy to ensure effective teaching and learning as well as safety of schools in the North West.
The state education facilitator of EU EYE, Aisha Abdullahi, said that the programme is funded by the European Union and supported by UNICEF, while the education partners such as the federal and state ministry of education, SUBEB, and other education stakeholders implemented the program.
She explained that the two-day programme is to train EYE teachers from various local governments and schools who will step down the training to their colleagues on school safety.
On his part, Cacsar Akuduke Executive Director of Talents in Children Promotion, said a lot of schools are not safe, and the program tends to address the shortcomings, building more knowledge and awareness among the stakeholders in education in the provision of the necessary guidelines as contained in the minimal standard for safe schools.
He added that although there are no cases of violence or serious attacks in schools in Kano State, the training will assist the participants with precautionary measures.
In his message, the Kano State Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, who was represented by the Director of Education Support Services, Hajiya Halima Sadiyya Tukur, said that their efforts have significantly and vividly improved access to quality education for many children, particularly those in underserved communities by addressing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, teacher training, and gender disparities in education, adding that UNICEF has helped in creating a brighter future for these young learners.
The commissioner said the positive changes resulting from government initiatives will undoubtedly have a long-term effect on the lives of children and the overall development of the state.
He corroborated that their commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive is commendable.