The Yobe State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, has commenced the training of 200 Almajirai in various vocational skills. The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB), Dr. Umar Abubakar, disclosed this during the official flag-off ceremony at the institution.

He said the six-month programme will equip participants with skills such as tailoring, shoemaking, carpentry, welding, solar installation, and building and tiling. The trainees will reside within the polytechnic throughout the programme. According to him, the initiative is designed to tackle poverty and unemployment by empowering Almajirai—many of whom have memorised the Holy Qur’an but lack formal education and job opportunities.

“At the end of the training, each participant will receive tools, start-up kits, and capital support to become self-reliant,” he said. Abubakar noted that Governor Mai Mala Buni is committed to improving the welfare of Almajirai, often classified as out-of-school children due to their lack of formal qualifications. In his remarks, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Dr. Ibrahim Bello Bashir, said the participants would be trained in 15 skills aligned with National Occupational Standards, equivalent to National Diploma levels