Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC Sokoto-Central) has donated an office complex to the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) in Sokoto State to encourage education and youth empowerment.

Mr Wamakko, who is the chairman, Senate committee on local and foreign loans, handed over the office complex to the NABTEB’s registrar, Aminu Muhammad, on Saturday in Sokoto.

Represented by the minister of state for works, Bello Goronyo, Mr Wamakko said the effort was part of his support to educational development and youths’ empowerment initiatives.

He said the gesture was in continuation of his lifelong commitment to education, empowerment, and human development.

”It aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places human capital development and job creation at the core of national renewal, and with Gov. Ahmed Aliyu’s Smart Agenda.

”The agenda is repositioning Sokoto State for progress through education, skills, and innovation. In recognition that there is no meaningful development without education,” Mr Wamakko said.

He added that during his tenure as the Sokoto State governor, education was accorded a top priority as a myriad of schools were built and renovated, while thousands of teachers were recruited.

According to him, he established scholarship schemes, supported indigent students, invested heavily in tertiary education, all with a view to ensuring that young people compete anywhere in the world.

” These efforts were driven by a firm belief that education is not an expense, it is the best investment any government can make.

”These led to personal investments by establishing North-West University in Sokoto, which is a testament to my enduring belief that every young person should obtain quality education.

”The future of Nigeria lies in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The world is shifting from paper qualifications to practical skills,” he added.

Mr Wamakko solicited joint efforts to support Mr Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable growth, which depends on empowering people with skills that create jobs and wealth.

He commended Mr Aliyu for his vision of building technical colleges, supporting youths’ innovation, and promoting digital literacy in the state.

Also speaking, NABTEB’s registrar described the gesture as the first of its kind by any individual to the agency, stressing that it was for the youths and the future generations.

Mr Muhammad expressed appreciation to Mr Wamakko for the historic donation, which testified to his visionary leadership, patriotic commitment and genuine concern for the advancement of technical and vocational education.

” The structure is a towering monument and shows his unwavering commitment to educational development and profound belief in NABTEB’s mission.

”Wamakko’s donation transcends the ordinary; it is an investment for the future of Nigerians through transformative actions, it speaks volumes on the value of genuine love to national development,” he said.

Mr Muhammad said NABTEB plays a central role in Nigeria’s educational system by setting standards for technical and vocational training, assessing competencies and ensuring quality.

” We strengthen the entire TVET ecosystem and serve at the forefront of actualisation of President Tinubu’s TVET programme to empower youth, reduce poverty and accelerate economic growth.

” A well-trained technician, artisan, or entrepreneur contributes more to national development. NABTEB facilitates technical education to restore dignity, fosters productivity, and transforms societies,” Mr Muhammad said.

He promised to utilise the office complex to enhance administrative efficiency, improve services, documentation, training and management.

Isa Gada attended the event, along with the deputy speakers of Sokoto and Gombe States’ Houses of Assembly, Kabiru Kware and Saddam Bello, respectively, among others.

 (NAN)