The Kano State Government has restated its dedication to working with UNESCO and the Republic of Korea to advance technical and vocational education through the Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR III) initiative.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ali Makoda, conveyed this assurance on Wednesday during a meeting with the project’s technical team in Kano. He was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Bashir Muhammad.
Makoda noted that the BEAR III programme aligns with the current administration’s drive to equip young people with practical, job-oriented skills that stimulate innovation and employment opportunities.
He explained that discussions at the meeting centered on crop value chain reports and institutional capacity assessment, which are expected to position Kano to fully benefit from the project’s outcomes.
The commissioner lauded UNESCO and the Korean government for their continued backing in strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the state, describing it as a commitment to boosting economic activities.
“This project is not only about education; it is also about empowering youths, improving their livelihoods, and ensuring lasting economic growth. Kano State is ready to collaborate with UNESCO and the Republic of Korea to scale up vocational and technical training, particularly for students in our technical colleges,” Makoda said.
He expressed optimism that the expertise gathered at the meeting would help determine priority crops for agro-processing and select the right institutions for implementing the initiative.
Presenting an update, BEAR III Regional Coordinator, Manish Joshi, emphasized that the programme’s main goal is to prepare young people with technical and general skills required to secure decent employment through a more effective TVET system.
Joshi highlighted recent steps taken, including needs assessments in technical colleges, a seminar on enhancing work-based learning and apprenticeships in agriculture and technology, and a strategic session on career guidance and counselling.
Also speaking, the Director of Technology at the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Muyibat Olodo, said the meeting aimed to harmonize the efforts of the technical team toward strengthening skills development, transforming agriculture, and expanding opportunities for youths.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje—represented by Prof. Diyauddeen Hassan—reaffirmed the board’s commitment to capacity-building through tailored curricula.
“We are focusing more on developing programmes that fit Kano’s specific context, especially those that highlight irrigation,” Bugaje stated.