…Governor Bala Mohammed Targets 80% Job Placement for Graduates, Moves to Attract Tech Investors
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By Abdulwahab Muhammad, SSA Communication to the Governor of Bauchi State
BAUCHI, October 20, 2026 — Bauchi State has taken another significant step towards becoming a competitive technology and innovation hub in Nigeria, graduating over 100 professionally trained cybersecurity talents and unveiling the Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Law 2026, in a major initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment, attract technology investments and accelerate the state’s transition to a knowledge-driven economy.
The landmark event, held at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, Bauchi, brought together government officials, technology experts, development partners, investors and representatives of national and international institutions to celebrate a new generation of digital professionals equipped to compete in the global technology industry.
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Auwal Jatau, Madugun Katagum, described the twin initiatives as strategic investments in the future of Bauchi’s young population and the economic prosperity of the state.
The Governor explained that the beneficiaries, trained under the government’s flagship CyberNation Programme, had undergone approximately six months of intensive cybersecurity training, practical learning and professional development, culminating in the acquisition of the internationally recognised CompTIA Security+ certification.
According to him, the programme represents a deliberate shift from conventional youth empowerment schemes towards globally competitive professional training capable of opening doors to employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable careers.
In a particularly significant development, Governor Mohammed disclosed that the state government had secured a public-private partnership arrangement aimed at facilitating employment opportunities for at least 80 per cent of the cybersecurity graduates.
He maintained that the ultimate measure of the programme’s success would not simply be the number of certificates awarded, but the extent to which the acquired knowledge translates into meaningful employment, productive enterprises and economic opportunities.
The Governor reaffirmed that digital transformation remains central to his administration’s commitment to effective governance, institutional development, economic diversification and youth empowerment.
He stressed that investment in technology must extend beyond the acquisition of computers, digital equipment and infrastructure to the practical application of technological solutions in strengthening institutions, improving public services and creating wealth.
As part of measures to accelerate digital connectivity, Governor Mohammed also announced plans to introduce a zero-rating policy on wayleave charges for broadband infrastructure deployment.
The proposed policy is expected to reduce the cost of expanding telecommunications infrastructure and encourage internet service providers and other technology companies to invest in improved connectivity across Bauchi State.
He further highlighted the introduction of the Bauchi State Data Management Guidelines 2026 as another institutional measure designed to strengthen information management, digital governance and the development of a sustainable technology ecosystem.
Speaking on the newly launched Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Law 2026, the Governor said the legislation would provide an enabling environment for technology entrepreneurs, innovators and emerging businesses to develop commercially viable solutions to economic and social challenges.
He called for effective collaboration among relevant ministries, the Bauchi State House of Assembly, technology companies, investors, entrepreneurs and development partners to ensure that the law delivers measurable benefits to the people.
Governor Mohammed equally challenged the graduates to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity and continuous learning, noting that the rapidly evolving nature of cybersecurity threats requires constant innovation and professional development.
Earlier, the Convener of the event and Director-General of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, Hayatu Mahmud Babama’aji, described the graduation and unveiling of the Startup Law as complementary milestones in the government’s broader digital transformation agenda.
He recalled that the CyberNation Programme was officially launched on August 12, 2025, with the objective of equipping young people with practical, internationally relevant technology skills and preparing them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
Babama’aji explained that the programme was structured to combine technical knowledge, practical exposure, professional development and recognised certification, thereby positioning beneficiaries for opportunities within and beyond Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that the graduates would not only pursue employment in established organisations but could also establish technology enterprises, develop innovative products and contribute to solving challenges confronting their communities.
Chairman of the occasion and Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, commended the Bauchi State Government for prioritising technology-driven human capital development.
He emphasised the importance of translating digital skills acquisition into tangible economic outcomes, including employment generation, entrepreneurship, business development and stronger participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
The NITDA Director-General observed that sustained investment in digital capacity, innovation and institutional partnerships would help states unlock new economic opportunities and strengthen their competitiveness.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting policies and laws capable of stimulating innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.
He disclosed that the Assembly had unanimously passed the Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Law, establishing a legislative framework for the development and regulation of technology-enabled startups and innovation-driven enterprises.
The Speaker expressed confidence that effective implementation of the legislation would encourage investment, stimulate business creation and strengthen the state’s emerging technology ecosystem.
In her goodwill message, the Country Coordinator of Protexxa, Hajiya Aby Hafsat Abubakar Sulaiman, applauded the Bauchi State Government for investing in the professional development of young people and strengthening cybersecurity capacity.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Protexxa Inc., Canada, Mr. Rick Huibregts, underscored the growing importance of cybersecurity expertise in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
He stressed the need for sustained collaboration between government, technology companies and development partners to expand professional opportunities and ensure that young people acquire the skills required by the modern labour market.
Representatives of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the Bauchi Emirate Council and other institutions also participated in the event, reflecting the growing interest in Bauchi State’s digital transformation initiatives.
The ceremony reached its climax with the presentation of certificates to the graduating cybersecurity professionals and the official launch of the Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Law 2026.
Beyond the colourful graduation ceremony, the two initiatives represent a significant opportunity to reposition Bauchi State from a predominantly traditional economic structure towards a more diversified economy driven by technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and skilled human capital.
With internationally certified cybersecurity professionals, a new legal framework for technology startups, proposed incentives for broadband expansion and a partnership targeting substantial graduate employment, Bauchi State is seeking to establish a stronger foundation for participation in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
The challenge ahead will be to translate these commitments into sustained investment, functioning technology enterprises, accessible digital infrastructure and measurable employment opportunities for the state’s growing youth population.
Published by Alphapressmedia.com
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