Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf reopened the state’s Horticulture and Livestock Institutes on Saturday, distributing 340 admission letters to new students.
This initiative aims to tackle youth unemployment by offering young people hands-on skills training that will allow them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and Kano’s economy.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Sunusi Tofa, Governor Yusuf, while speaking in Bagauda, Bebeji Local Government Area, underscored the vital role these institutions will play in addressing youth redundancy by arming students with valuable skills for self-reliance.
The horticulture institute, for instance, will not only prepare students for careers in environmental beautification and health but also empower them to earn a sustainable income.
Yusuf emphasized that horticulture skills offer more than financial rewards, noting, “The training will not only benefit them individually but will also contribute significantly to the agricultural economy of Kano State.”
These skills would help enhance Kano’s environmental landscape, making the communities greener and healthier.
Meanwhile, the Livestock Institute is set to enroll 140 students in practical, specialized training programs, such as ram fattening, animal husbandry, and meat quality improvement, all of which are poised to strengthen Kano’s agricultural sector.
Addressing the students, Yusuf urged them to “seize the opportunity,” stressing that the knowledge and skills they gain here could become life-changing for themselves and their families.
He highlighted the success stories of past graduates recognized at the federal level for their contributions to dairy production, illustrating how skill development can lead to lasting economic independence.
Yusuf also expressed disappointment with the previous administration’s decision to close the institutes, describing it as a hindrance to youth development and economic growth. He assured that his government is committed to creating sustainable opportunities for young people, thus laying a foundation for a prosperous future for the state.
In support of this commitment, Yusuf revealed that his administration had invested in key infrastructure upgrades at the institutes, including student accommodations, reliable water supply systems, and solar-powered energy to provide a conducive learning environment.
The Emir of Rano, Alhaji Muhammad Isa Umar, popularly known as Autan Bawo, commended Yusuf’s dedication to youth empowerment, viewing the reopening of these institutes as a crucial step in his broader vision to position Kano as a model for other states.
Director of the Horticulture Institute, Dr. Jazuli Muhammad Bichi,and Dr. Aliyu Director of the Livestock Institute, Ahmad Nuhu, both pledged to work diligently toward achieving the institutes’ goals and providing quality training for the students.
Chairman of Bebeji Local Government Area, Dr. Alasan Salisu, expressed his own support, stating that the reestablished institutes would foster economic growth for the youth and the local communities.
In response, one of the students, Nazifi Ahmad Gera, expressed gratitude on behalf of his peers, recognizing the reopening as an opportunity that will shape a brighter future for their generation.
