Kaduna State University Distance Learning Institute (KASU DLI) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) have initiated discussions aimed at forging a strategic partnership to advance skills development, entrepreneurship training, graduate employability, and digital learning.
The exploratory and consultative meeting, held at the NDE Zonal Office on Yakubu Gowon Way, Kaduna, brought together senior officials of both institutions to identify areas of collaboration aligned with national priorities on unemployment reduction, human capital development, and economic empowerment.
The KASU DLI delegation was led by its Director, Dr. Fatima S. Kabir, alongside members of her management team, while senior officers of the NDE represented the Directorate. The meeting commenced with formal introductions, after which the NDE officials welcomed the KASU team, describing the engagement as timely and strategic given the growing emphasis on skills acquisition, employability, and digitally driven learning solutions.
NDE Highlights Mandate and Programmes
During the meeting, NDE officials presented an overview of the Directorate’s mandate and programmes, noting that the agency was established in 1986 to combat unemployment through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development.
Key programmes highlighted include Vocational Skills Development, which offers training in trades such as catering, welding, tailoring, electrical installation, plumbing, and GSM repairs, as well as Rural Vocational Skills Training, where instructors are deployed to rural communities. Other programmes discussed were Special Public Works, Graduate Coaching Scheme, Rural Employment Promotion, Small Scale Enterprises, Mature People Programme, and the Women Employment Branch, all designed to promote income generation, enterprise development, and inclusive economic participation.
NDE officials emphasized that skills acquisition has become critical globally, as traditional white-collar employment opportunities are no longer sufficient to absorb the growing workforce.
KASU DLI Showcases Digital Learning Strength
In her presentation, Dr. Kabir commended the scope and impact of NDE programmes and outlined KASU DLI’s strengths in flexible, hybrid, and skills-oriented distance learning. She highlighted the Institute’s strong manpower base, ICT infrastructure, and experience in online education delivery, noting the potential to support NDE programmes through digital and hybrid courses.
She identified areas where KASU DLI could add value, including entrepreneurship and business development training, digital skills and marketing, graduate coaching, and programmes tailored for retirees. Emphasis was also placed on research, monitoring, and evaluation to strengthen programme outcomes.
The Deputy Director of KASU DLI, Dr. Bello Idris, further underscored the need for structured entrepreneurship training, pitching skills, and innovation support, citing the high failure rate of small and medium enterprises within their first five years.
Proposed Areas of Collaboration
Both institutions agreed on several potential areas of partnership, including joint train-the-trainer programmes, development of online and hybrid learning modules, graduate employability and attachment schemes, digital skills and ICT training, research and programme evaluation, as well as public awareness and capacity-building initiatives.
Way Forward
At the close of the meeting, it was agreed that KASU DLI would formally submit a letter outlining specific areas of collaboration. The NDE confirmed that many of its future programmes would be digitally driven and assured KASU DLI of consideration as a partner institution where applicable. Both parties also agreed to maintain open communication and continue engagement toward a mutually beneficial partnership.
The meeting ended on an optimistic note, with the NDE appreciating the visit by KASU DLI and the DLI delegation expressing gratitude for the warm reception and openness to collaboration