Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed a bill establishing Gaya Polytechnic, marking a major step in the state government’s plan to increase access to tertiary education and technical skills training. The signing took place on Friday at the Government House in Kano, with top lawmakers in attendance.
The Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore, and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Butubutu, witnessed the ceremony, which officials described as an important milestone for educational development in the state.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the new polytechnic is expected to play a key role in providing vocational and technical skills for young people, especially those living in Gaya and neighbouring communities.
The polytechnic will offer training in fields such as engineering, information technology, agriculture, and other practical disciplines that can help graduates secure jobs or start small businesses. This is part of the state’s broader strategy to reduce unemployment and improve economic growth.
Dawakin Tofa explained that the bill was developed based on recommendations from a 14-member committee that was set up to guide the establishment of the institution. The committee reviewed community needs, available resources and opportunities for expansion before submitting its final report.
Government officials noted that the creation of Gaya Polytechnic aligns with Kano’s goal of strengthening educational infrastructure across the state. Kano has one of the largest populations in Nigeria, with a high number of young people seeking admission into tertiary institutions. The new polytechnic is expected to ease pressure on existing institutions such as Kano State Polytechnic and Yusuf Maitama Sule University.
The state government also believes the new institution will boost the local economy in Gaya, one of the historic emirates in Kano. Once operational, the polytechnic will attract businesses, create jobs, and increase demand for housing, transportation, and services around the community.
Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Yusuf has placed strong importance on education reforms, promising to improve both basic and tertiary education. His administration has invested in renovating classrooms, providing teaching materials, and restoring the scholarship programme for Kano indigenes.
The establishment of Gaya Polytechnic is one of several initiatives aimed at giving young people better opportunities and reducing the number of school dropouts. The governor has repeatedly said that education remains the foundation of development and that no community should be left behind.
In Gaya and surrounding areas, residents have welcomed the news with optimism. Many community members have long called for a higher institution in the area to reduce the distance students travel for tertiary education. Parents say the project will reduce financial pressure on families who struggle to send their children to schools in Kano city or other states.
Youth groups in the area also praised the move, saying it could help reduce crime and restiveness by engaging young people in productive activities.
With the bill now signed into law, the next steps include appointing management staff, developing the curriculum, constructing necessary buildings, and securing accreditation from relevant agencies such as the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
