Eid-el-Fitr: Bauchi Chief Imam Urges Shift to Vocational Training to Tackle Unemployment

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By Alhassan  Bauchi

The Chief Imam of Bauchi Central Mosque, Imam Bala Ahmad Baban-Inna, has called on the Federal Government to reform Nigeria’s education policies by prioritising vocational and skills-based training as a strategic response to rising unemployment across the country.

The cleric made the appeal shortly after leading the two-unit Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the Eid Ground in Kofar Idi, Bauchi metropolis, where he delivered a sermon emphasising the urgent need to align education with practical skills acquisition. He observed that many graduates remain without jobs due to overreliance on limited civil service opportunities, stressing that Nigeria’s growing population requires a shift towards entrepreneurship and technical competence.

Imam Baban-Inna further urged well-meaning individuals and private investors to support lawful businesses capable of creating employment for the teeming youth population. He also advised Muslims to rely on Allah for sustenance rather than resorting to begging, while calling on the wealthy to shun greed and extend generosity to the less privileged in order to earn divine mercy.

Addressing social challenges, the Chief Imam warned against the rising menace of drug abuse, describing it as a global crisis that destroys health, destabilises families and fuels criminal activities. He called on parents and guardians to remain vigilant over their children to protect them from harmful influences and societal vices.

In a related message, Islamic scholar Imam Akibu Iliyasu expressed gratitude to Allah for the successful completion of Ramadan despite prevailing economic hardships, highlighting the spiritual significance of Eid-el-Fitr. Similarly, the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwan Suleiman Adamu, commended Islamic scholars for conducting peaceful Qur’anic tafsir sessions during Ramadan and urged Muslims to remain united and continue praying for peace and national stability.

Also speaking, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, called on Muslims to use the festive period to pray for peace in communities recently affected by banditry, including Gwanna, Digare, Yalo and Mansur in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

Thousands of worshippers, including top government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community members, attended the Eid prayers. Security was visibly strengthened across the state, with the Bauchi State Police Command and other agencies coordinating operations to ensure peaceful celebrations. Reports indicate that Eid-el-Fitr festivities were conducted without incident across all 20 local government areas of the state.