Yobe Govt Graduates 200 Almajiris Trained In ICT, Solar Installations, Others

The Yobe State Government has graduated 200 Almajiri youths trained in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), solar installations, and other vocational skills, as part of efforts to promote self-reliance and economic empowerment.

The six-month skills acquisition programme, approved by Governor Mai Mala Buni and implemented through the Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB), equipped the beneficiaries with practical and income-generating skills.

According to a statement by the Focal Person, Digital and Strategic Communications, Yusuf Ali, the initiative is aimed at empowering youths, reducing poverty, and enhancing socio-economic development across the state.

The Executive Secretary of AISEB, Sheikh Umar Abubakar, said the 2026 Almajiri/Tsangaya Graduate Training Programme covered a wide range of trades, including ICT and computer skills, carpentry and woodwork, catering and hospitality for female participants, electrical and solar installations, tailoring and fashion design, welding and fabrication, plumbing and pipe fitting, as well as agriculture and agro-processing.

He explained that the programme reflects Governor Buni’s policy direction to equip young people with relevant skills, curb youth restiveness, and strengthen security in the state.

“This initiative underscores His Excellency’s commitment to building a productive and self-reliant youth population capable of contributing meaningfully to the state’s economy,” Abubakar said.

He commended the governor’s sustained investment in the transformation of Arabic and Islamic education, describing him as “the father of modern AISEB.”

In his remarks, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, Dr Ibrahim Bello Bashir, said Yobe ranks among leading states in Nigeria with a high number of Qur’an memorizers, challenging the narrative that Tsangaya students are out-of-school.

He emphasised that skills acquisition remains critical in today’s global economy, noting that the training spans between eight and 15 trades aligned with National Occupational Standards (NOS) Levels 1–5.

Dr Bashir added that plans are underway to engage a certification body to formally assess and certify the trainees.