Borno State in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has graduated 300 beneficiaries trained under a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The beneficiaries also received starter packs to enable them to apply the skills acquired during the training and establish sustainable economic activities.
The graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Vocational Training Centre, Gwoza, and was attended by government officials; UNHCR representatives; traditional leaders and community members.
The training was designed to equip participants with practical vocational skills, improve their livelihoods, promote economic self-reliance and contribute to the recovery of communities affected by conflict.
In his welcome address, the Director of Science and Technical Education, Matawalle Ahmed, said technical and vocational education remains important in providing beneficiaries with practical skills and creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
Chairman of Gwoza Local Government Council, Abba Timta, commended the state government and UNHCR for supporting skills development and livelihood initiatives in the area.
He pledged the council’s commitment to supporting the beneficiaries and ensuring that the interventions were properly utilised and sustained.
Head of UNHCR Sub-Office, Maiduguri, Nicolas Kaburaburyo, also commended the partnership between the organisation and the Borno State government in promoting recovery and development in conflict-affected communities.
Kaburaburyo urged the beneficiaries and residents to take ownership of the intervention and ensure the proper use, protection and sustainability of the facilities and equipment provided.
The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, commended UNHCR for its continued support to communities in Gwoza, particularly the provision of starter packs to the 300 graduates.
Wakilbe urged the beneficiaries to put the training and equipment to productive use to generate income and achieve economic self-reliance.
He specifically cautioned them against selling the starter packs, stressing that the items were provided to enable them to practise their newly acquired skills and improve the welfare of their households.
The commissioner further urged the beneficiaries to demonstrate commitment and ownership, noting that responsible use of the skills and equipment would be crucial to achieving the objectives of the intervention.
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The Emir of Gwoza, Muhammad Timta, expressed appreciation to the state government and UNHCR for their continued interventions in the area.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the skills and starter packs to improve their economic circumstances, while urging the community to protect and sustain development interventions for the benefit of present and future generations.
A beneficiary, who delivered the vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to the Borno State government, UNHCR and the trainers for providing the opportunity to acquire practical skills and receive starter packs.
