600 Youths Empowered in Bauchi through WAKF's Skills for Employability Program

By Khalid Idris Doya

Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria

October 27, 2025(Series News Online)

The Wunti Al-Khair Foundation (WAKF) has empowered over 600 young people from across Bauchi State through its 2025 Skills for Employability Program. The program, held under the theme "Beyond Degrees: Building Employability and Entrepreneurship Skills for a Changing World," aimed to equip participants with practical tools to thrive in today's dynamic job market.

In his keynote address, Mallam Murtala Muhammad Alamai, Director of the Centre for Career Services at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, emphasized the need for adaptable skills, innovative thinking, and entrepreneurial courage to succeed in an ever-changing economy. "The modern job market demands more than just academic knowledge," he said. "Young people need to develop skills that can help them navigate the complexities of the workforce and create opportunities for themselves and others."

The Director of Programs at WAKF, Mr. Ango Mustapha, said the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and employability. "The Skills for Employability Program is not just a conference," he stated. "It's a movement designed to prepare our youth for the realities of the modern workforce and inspire them to create opportunities where none exist."

The event featured multiple expert sessions and interactive panels led by seasoned professionals. Gbade Alkebulan delivered a session on "Your Voice, Your Brand: Building Employability Through Communication," while Elijah Moses, Head of Partnerships at RLabs Nigeria, spoke on "Going GloCal: How to Search and Sort Opportunities." Seun Onarinde, Executive Director of Young Leaders Network, shared insights on "Volunteering as a Pathway to Gainful Employment."

A series of panel discussions explored critical aspects of employability and entrepreneurship. The first panel, moderated by Samuel Femi Rasheed, examined "Demystifying the Nigerian Job Market: What Employers Really Want." Panellists included Motunrayo Olasupo, Seun Onarinde, Ebenezer Okoidigun, and Mrs. Abigail Hardo.

The second panel, moderated by Ango Mustapha, focused on "From Job Seeker to Job Creator: Running Successful Ventures in Nigeria." Esteemed entrepreneurs shared their success stories, providing valuable insights to participants.

The program also featured a Business Pitching Competition, where five small business owners received N750,000 in non-refundable seed grants. The WAKF also awarded five fully-sponsored scholarships for Master's and Post-Graduate Diploma programs within Bauchi State, as part of efforts to strengthen human capital development.

The Foundation sponsored Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration for 20 emerging entrepreneurs, granting them legal recognition to access loans, contracts, and other formal business opportunities. "The Foundation will continue to monitor the progress of the scholarship recipients and funded businesses as it plans future initiatives dedicated to building a skilled and prosperous community," Ango assured.

Participants also benefited from a Yoma onboarding session facilitated by RLabs Nigeria, connecting them to post-event opportunities, digital learning platforms, and internship programs. Ango reaffirmed the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation's enduring commitment to creating a generation of self-reliant, employable, and innovative young Nigerians ready to shape a better future for themselves and their communities.