The Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation held a graduation ceremony for the second phase of 162 women and girls who successfully completed the Second Chance Women/Girls’ Skills program.
The ceremony took place at the skills acquisition school in Ngarranam, Bolori II, Maiduguri, on Monday, December 30, 2024.
This initiative by the Borno State Government is a systematic step towards empowering women and girls who were not able to get formal education and dropouts drawn from internally displaced persons vulnerable communities towards fostering economic growth within the state.
The ceremony was graced by Her Excellency Dr. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum, First Lady of Borno State, who was represented by Maryam Gimba, Director of the Multi Aid Charity Initiative.
Her Excellency, Dr. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum, in her message delivered by Maryam Gimba, commended the graduates on their dedication and hard work.
“I am proud of your resilience and determination,” she said. “These skills will empower you to become independent and contribute to the economic growth of our state.”
Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted the significance of the program, explaining that Governor Babagana Umara Zulum recognised the need to empower women and girls through skills acquisition, especially those who may have missed out on formal education.
“This program aligns perfectly with his vision for a more inclusive and prosperous Borno State.”
He further revealed that the governor has provided each graduate with a start-up package to help them establish their own businesses, and Her Excellency, the First Lady, has also generously provided each graduate with a dignity kit containing essential items,” Commissioner Wakilbe added.
The Second Chance Skills Acquisition School, established by the Mohammed Goni administration, provides vocational training to women and girls in various skills, including catering, computer craft, embroidery, knitting, cosmetology, painting, salon services, tailoring, and throw pillow making.
The breakdown of the trades, including Catering (25 trainees), Computer Craft (16 trainees), Embroidery (4 trainees), Knitting (13 trainees), Cosmetology (Make-Up) (12 trainees), Paint Work (7 trainees), Salon (7 trainees), Tailoring (39 trainees), and Throw Pillow Making (32 trainees), with a total of 162 trainees successfully completing the program.
Earlier, Hajiya Boli Kawu Daja, Principal of the school, welcomed the guests and congratulated the graduating students on their successful completion of the program.
Goni Ibrahim, Senior Technical Assistant to the Governor on TVET, emphasised the importance of this program in empowering women and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to become self-reliant.
“This training will enable them to contribute positively to their families and communities,” he said.
The graduation ceremony featured cultural presentations by the graduates, showcasing their talents and expressing their gratitude to the government for this life-changing opportunity.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Hajiya Falmata Lawan, representing the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, and Alhaji Abba Bukar, Chairman of the State Board for Mass Literacy (SBMC), who expressed their support for the program and congratulated the graduating students.
Falmata Mohammed, on behalf of the graduating class, expressed her sincere gratitude to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and the First Lady for their unwavering support in making this program a reality.
She also extended her thanks to the Commissioner of Education, the school principal, instructors, mentors, family, and friends for their guidance and encouragement throughout their training journey.
A host of government officials, including Special Adviser to the governor on education Hon. Abubakar Tijjani, Senior Technical Assistants, SSAs, SAs, Education Secretaries, and others, graced the occasion.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates and start-up packages to the graduates.
