Kano to Train 50,000 Young People in 2026

Kano State is betting big on its young people, with Governor Abba Yusuf announcing plans to train 50,000 youth in entrepreneurship and vocational skills throughout 2026. The initiative is part of a broader push to reduce unemployment and create economic opportunities across Nigeria's second most populous state.

The governor kicked off the program on Sunday by distributing empowerment packages to 2,260 graduates from eight entrepreneurship institutes. These graduates received tools and resources to help them launch their own businesses and become economically independent.

"Our goal is to empower young people with the skills and opportunities they need to stand on their own, earn a living and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Kano State," Yusuf said at the ceremony. The program focuses on giving participants practical, market-ready skills they can use immediately.

The training represents a significant expansion of Kano's youth empowerment efforts. Beyond traditional vocational skills, the state is also investing heavily in digital literacy, with plans to train 1.5 million youth in technology skills by 2027 through a partnership with the KALM Community Initiative.

The Ripple Effect

When young people gain marketable skills, entire communities benefit. This program could help thousands of families break cycles of poverty while reducing youth restiveness, a challenge facing many Nigerian states. By focusing on entrepreneurship rather than just job placement, Kano is creating potential business owners who can eventually employ others.

The state's commitment to youth development reflects a growing recognition across Nigeria that investing in young people is essential for long-term stability and growth. With 150,000 youth already engaged in pilot digital literacy programs, Kano is backing its promises with action.

Governor Yusuf emphasized that youth empowerment remains central to his administration's development agenda. The state government plans to continue making substantial investments in training programs as a strategy for securing the next generation's future.

For the 2,260 graduates who received their empowerment packages, the dream of self-employment just became real.