Abba Kabir Yusuf Youth Training and Empowerment Program – Apply Now 

The Kano State Government has officially opened applications for the Abba Kabir Yusuf Youth Empowerment Programme in Entrepreneurship (AKY-YEPE) Batch A 2026. The programme is designed to equip young people across Kano State with practical vocational and technical skills while providing successful participants with empowerment support after graduation.

The initiative is part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to reducing unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship, and empowering youths through specialized training in various state-owned institutes.

Applications are completely free, and eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.

What is the Kano State Youth Empowerment Programme in Entrepreneurship (YEPE)?

The Youth Empowerment Programme in Entrepreneurship (YEPE) is a Kano State Government initiative that provides free vocational and technical training for eligible youths between the ages of 18 and 35 years.

Successful applicants will receive professional training at accredited state institutes in different skill areas. Upon successful completion of the programme, beneficiaries will also receive empowerment support, including tools and startup assistance, to help them establish sustainable businesses and become self-reliant.

The programme is open only to indigenes of Kano State who meet the stated eligibility requirements.

Batch A Recruitment Details

For the current Batch A, only 3,200 beneficiaries will be admitted because each training institute has a fixed number of available slots.

Applicants who are not selected for Batch A may still be considered under Batch B and Batch C, as additional batches will commence after the completion of Batch A training.

Each batch will undergo a separate screening process.

Available Training Institutes and Number of Beneficiaries

Applicants can choose from several specialized training institutes depending on their interests and qualifications.

Available Training Programmes

The programme offers professional training in various sectors, including:

• Informatics
• Data Science
• UI/UX Design
• PC and Mobile Repair
• Corporate Security
• Driving
• Film Production
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Fisheries
• Livestock
• Poultry
• Horticulture
• Journalism
• Entrepreneurship
• Other specialized vocational programmes

These programmes are designed to provide practical knowledge that participants can use to secure employment or establish their own businesses.

List of Training Institutes

1. Corporate Security Institute, Gabasawa

• Provides professional training in Corporate Security.

2. Development Journalism Institute, ARTV

• Offers training in Development Journalism.

Minimum Qualification: SSCE or higher.

3. Driving Institute, Zaria Road

• Provides practical driving training

4. Entrepreneurship Institute, Dawakin Tofa

• Offers entrepreneurship and business development training.

Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree or higher.

5. Film Academy Institute, Tiga

• Provides training in film production and related creative skills.

6. Fisheries Institute, Bagauda

• Offers fisheries training.
• Available for Women Only

7. Horticulture Institute, Bagauda

• Provides horticultural training
• Available for Men Only

8. Hospitality and Tourism Institute, Kano

• Offers hospitality and tourism management training.

9. Informatics Institute, Kura

Available programmes include:

• Data Science
• UI/UX Design
• PC and Mobile Repair

Minimum Qualification: SSCE or higher.

9. Livestock Institute, Bagauda

• Provides livestock production training.
• Available for Women Only.

10. Poultry Institute, Tukui

• Offers poultry farming and management training.
• Available for Women Only.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following conditions before submitting an application:

• Must be an indigene of Kano State.
• Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Must possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
• Must have a valid bank account.
• Must possess a Kano State Certificate of Indigeneship.
• Must meet any educational requirements specified for the chosen institute.
• Previous beneficiaries of this empowerment programme are not eligible.
• Applicants who provide false information or conceal previous participation will be disqualified.

Educational Requirements for Selected Institutes

Some institutes require specific educational qualifications.

• Development Journalism Institute: SSCE or higher.
• Informatics Institute: SSCE or higher.
• Entrepreneurship Institute: Bachelor’s Degree or higher.

Other institutes may accept applicants without these additional qualifications, provided they satisfy the general eligibility requirements.

Required Documents

Before beginning the online application, applicants should prepare the following:

• National Identification Number (NIN)
• Active mobile phone number
• Valid bank account details
• Kano State Certificate of Indigeneship
• Educational certificates (where required)
• Personal information exactly as it appears on official documents

Having these documents ready will make the application process faster and reduce the chances of errors.

How the Programme Works

The Youth Empowerment Programme follows five major stages.

Step 1: Online Application

Applicants complete the online registration form using their NIN and phone number. The application takes approximately ten minutes.

Step 2: Screening

Applications are screened based on Local Government Area (LGA) quotas and programme requirements. Successful applicants receive notifications via SMS.

Step 3: Biometrics

Shortlisted applicants complete biometric verification at designated enrolment centres to confirm their identities.

Step 4: Training

Successful candidates undergo intensive practical training delivered by experienced professionals at their selected institute.

Step 5: Empowerment

Graduates receive empowerment support, including tools and startup assistance, enabling them to establish businesses and become financially independent.

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How to Apply for AKY-YEPE

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

• Visit the Kano State Empowerment Portal:

https://empowerment.kanostate.gov.ng

Link to Check AKY-YEPE Application Status:

https://empowerment.kanostate.gov.ng/Apply/Status

• Create an account or begin the application.
• Enter your personal information correctly.
• Provide your National Identification Number (NIN).
• Upload or provide the required information where necessary.
• Select your preferred institute.
• Review your application carefully.
• Submit your application before the deadline.

Applicants can also check their application status through the official status portal after submission.

Application Deadline

Applications for Batch A 2026 are currently ongoing.

Closing Date: 24 July 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

What Applicants Should Know

Before applying, applicants should understand the following important points:

• The application is completely free. No payment is required at any stage.
• Admission into Batch A is limited to 3,200 beneficiaries.
• Applicants not selected for Batch A may still be considered for Batch B or Batch C.
• Screening is conducted separately for each batch.
• LGA quota may influence the selection process.
• Every applicant must complete biometric verification if shortlisted.
• Empowerment support is provided only after successful completion of training.
• Each applicant should apply for only one programme that matches their qualifications and interests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applications are delayed or rejected because of avoidable mistakes. Applicants should avoid the following:

• Providing incorrect NIN information.
• Entering a phone number that is inactive.
• Using a bank account that does not belong to the applicant.
• Selecting a programme without meeting its educational requirement.
• Applying multiple times.
• Uploading incorrect information.
• Waiting until the final day before applying.
• Providing false information regarding previous participation.
• Ignoring SMS notifications after application.

Taking time to review your application before submission can improve your chances of successful screening.

Application Tips

To improve your chances during the application process:

• Apply as early as possible.
• Use accurate information that matches your official documents.
• Ensure your phone number remains active throughout the selection process.
• Keep your NIN details updated.
• Choose the training institute that best aligns with your educational qualification and career goals.
• Save your application details after submission.
• Regularly check your application status online.
• Prepare for biometric verification if shortlisted.

Benefits of the YEPE Programme

Participants stand to gain several benefits, including:

• Free vocational and technical training.
• Practical hands-on experience.
• Professional mentorship.
• Industry-relevant skills.
• Increased employability.
• Entrepreneurship knowledge.
• Startup empowerment support.
• Opportunities for self-employment and business creation.

The programme aims to reduce youth unemployment while promoting economic growth across Kano State.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Kano State YEPE application free?

Yes. The application process is completely free. Applicants should not pay anyone to register or secure admission into the programme.

Who can apply?

Only Kano State indigenes aged between 18 and 35 years who possess a valid NIN, bank account, and Certificate of Indigeneship are eligible.

Can previous beneficiaries apply again?

No. Individuals who have previously benefited from the programme are not eligible.

What happens if I am not selected for Batch A?

Applicants who are not admitted into Batch A may still be considered for Batch B or Batch C after subsequent screening exercises.

Is there an educational requirement?

Yes. While most institutes require applicants to meet the general eligibility conditions, some programmes such as Informatics and Development Journalism require at least an SSCE certificate, while the Entrepreneurship Institute requires a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.

How will successful applicants be notified?

Successful applicants will receive notifications through SMS after the screening exercise.

Is biometric verification compulsory?

Yes. All shortlisted candidates must complete biometric verification before proceeding to training.

Will beneficiaries receive empowerment after training?

Yes. Successful graduates will receive empowerment support, including tools and startup assistance, after completing their training.

Can applicants choose any institute?

Yes. Applicants may choose an institute that matches their interests and qualifications, provided they satisfy the specific entry requirements.

When is the application closing date?

Applications for Batch A 2026 will close on 24 July 2026.

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