Wunti Al-Khair Foundation Trains Over 600 Youth, Supports Small Businesses With Grants, Scholarships In Bauchi
In an effort to reduce unemployment among youth in Bauchi State, the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation has hosted the 2025 edition of its flagship Skills for Employability Program, bringing together over 600 young people from across the state for a full day of learning, inspiration, and empowerment.
The event, held at the Event Centre in Bauchi, had as its theme “Beyond Degrees: Building Employability and Entrepreneurship Skills for a Changing World.”
The program provided participants with practical tools to thrive in today’s dynamic job market while promoting entrepreneurship as a viable path to sustainable livelihood.
In his welcome address, the Director of Programs at Wunti Al-Khair Foundation, Ango Mustapha, highlighted the initiative’s vision of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and employability.
“The Skills for Employability Program is not just a conference; it’s a movement to prepare youth for the realities of the modern workforce and inspire them to create opportunities where none exist,” Ango said.
Delivering the keynote address, the Director of the Centre for Career Services at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Malam Murtala Muhammad Alamai, emphasized the importance of developing adaptable skills, innovative thinking, and entrepreneurial courage to succeed in an ever-changing economy.
The event featured multiple expert sessions and panel discussions led by outstanding professionals from diverse fields.
A business pitching competition was also conducted, during which five small business owners were selected through a raffle draw. The Wunti Al-Khair Foundation awarded a total of ₦750,000 in non-refundable seed grants to help transform these ventures into job-creating enterprises:
First Place (₦300,000): Umar Aliyu Saraki
Second Place (₦200,000): Mustapha Saleh
Third Place (₦100,000 each): Babangida Musa Ahmad and Lawan Abubakar Bappa
Consolation Prize (₦50,000): A deserving female finalist, underscoring the Foundation’s focus on inclusive empowerment.
Addressing the need for specialized skills, WAKF also offered five fully sponsored scholarships covering tuition for Master’s and Post-Graduate Diploma programs at institutions within Bauchi State. This investment aims to help high-potential youth acquire advanced qualifications necessary to lead the state’s growing knowledge economy.
In addition, the Foundation sponsored full Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration for 20 emerging local businesses, a strategic move to boost the formal economy. The initiative provides these entrepreneurs with legal recognition — crucial for accessing bank loans, government contracts, and expanding their operations.
WAKF said it will continue to monitor the progress of scholarship recipients and funded businesses as it plans future initiatives dedicated to building a skilled and prosperous community.
Participants also benefited from a Yoma onboarding session by RLabs Nigeria, connecting them to post-event opportunities, digital learning, and internship programs.
The Skills for Employability Program is part of Wunti Al-Khair Foundation’s ongoing commitment to empower young people with the skills, networks, and mindset needed to navigate the evolving world of work and enterprise.
