Kano Skills Centre Faces Crisis Amid Unpaid Salaries

The Kano Skills Centre, a vocational training facility established with a N5.5 billion investment by the Kano State government and Aliko Dangote, is currently facing significant operational challenges. Since its inauguration in late 2021, the centre has aimed to train thousands of unemployed youth across 20 trades.

However, staff members have reported that they have not received salaries since May 2025, leading to difficulties in meeting basic living expenses. Allegations suggest that the current administration, led by a different political party than that of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has neglected the centre, halting contributions and oversight.

The centre's operational model relies on a tripartite funding structure, with the state government, Dangote, and local government contributing to its budget. Staff have expressed concerns over the suspension of student admissions and the lack of a governing board, which has exacerbated the situation.

They are calling for immediate payment of outstanding salaries and the reconstitution of the governing board to resume operations.