The Abba Kabir Yusuf Youth Empowerment Programme in Entrepreneurship (AKY-YEPE) 2026 has opened a portal for accepting applications from eligible Kano State residents. The objective of the program is providing and equipping youths and women with vocational, technical and entrepreneurial skills to become entrepreneurs and self reliant. By the end of the training, successful candidates will be empowered.
As announced by the State government the current application is for Batch A and subsequent batches are going to roll out for the continuation of the programme.
The initiative is part of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s effort to curve youth unemployment, eradicate poverty amongst the citizens, promote entrepreneurship and improve the socio-economic activities across the State.
Kano State AKY-YEPE 2026 Application Portal
All intested and eligible applications are to be submitted online through the official Kano State Training and Empowerment Portal. Do not pay any fee to any individual or groups collecting payment for the application forms. Registration is free.
AKY-YEPE Portal:
https://empowerment.kanostate.gov.ng
After submission of applications, applicants can continue tracking their status using the link below.
Application Status Checker Portal:
https://empowerment.kanostate.gov.ng/Apply/Status
Submission of applications for Batch A will closed on 24th July, 2026.
About the Youth Empowerment Programme in Entrepreneurship (YEPE)
The Kano State government through the Youth Empowerment Programme in Entrepreneurship (YEPE) will cover for all expenses of the vocational, technical and entrepreneurial skills program which will be conducted at various accredited centers and institutes across the state.
Selected candidates will be trained in various trades and skills they choose and by the end of the programme, certificates, tools, start up capital as empowerment will be issued to successful trainees to start their business and career journeys.
The whole programme is free, therefore do pay money at any stage of the application or training.
Available Institutes and Number of Beneficiaries
3,200 beneficiaries will be selected for the Batch A programme which will receive their training across the various institutes and centers. Below is the breakdown of the institutes and the number of trainees they will accommodate.
The available slots include:
- Poultry Institute – 600 beneficiaries
- Corporate Security Institute – 500 beneficiaries.
- Informatics Institute – 400 beneficiaries.
- Entrepreneurship Journalism Institute – 250 beneficiaries
- Driving Institute – 250 beneficiaries
- Development Journalism Institute – 200 beneficiaries.
- Hospitality Institute – 200 beneficiaries.
- Livestock Institute – 200 beneficiaries.
- Horticulture Institute – 200 beneficiaries.
- Fisheries Institute – 200 beneficiaries.
- Film Institute – 200 beneficiaries
All the institutes have the specific number of trainees that they will accommodate, once the quote is filled up, candidates will be push to the next batch of the programme.
Training Institutes and Programmes
Successful applicants will receive training at the following institutes:
Corporate Security Institute, Gabasawa
- Corporate Security
Development Journalism Institute, ARTV
- Training in Development Journalism.
- Applicants must possess minimum of Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE).
Driving Institute, Zaria Road
- Professional driving training
Farm Mechanization Institute, Kadawa
- Training in Farm Mechanization
Entrepreneurship Institute, Dawakin Tofa
- Entrepreneurship training
- Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree.
Film Academy Institute, Tiga
- Training in Film Production
Sport Institute, Karfi
- Training in Sports
Fisheries Institute, Bagauda
- Training in Fisheries
- Available for women only
Horticulture Institute, Bagauda
- Training in Horticulture
- Available for men only
Hospitality and Tourism Institute, Kano
- Training in Hospitality and Tourism.
Informatics Institute, Kura
Available programmes include:
- Data Science
- PC and Mobile Repair
- UI/UX Design
- Applicants must possess at minimum of SSCE.
Livestock Institute, Bagauda
- Training in Livestock
- Available for women only
Poultry Institute, Tukui
- Training in Poultry
- Available for women only
Artisan Fisheries, Magaga
- Training in Artisan Fisheries
Eligibility Requirements
The following eligibility requirements must be satisfied by the applicants:
- You must be Indigene or resident of Kano State with valid means of identification.
- Candidates must be between the age of 18 and 35 years.
- Must have a BVN and active bank account.
- Possess a valid Indigene certificate
- Must have the required education
- Must not have benefited from the previous YEPE empowerment programme.
Applicants who provide fake credentials and documents or found to have participated in the programme before will be disqualified.
Required Documents
Before beginning the application, applicants should have the following:
- Means of Identification (NIN)
- Valid email address and phone number.
- Active Bank account
- Kano State or Local Government Indigene Certificate.
- O’level results, i.e NECO, WAEC, NABTEB etc.
- Bachelor’s degree where applicable
- Other relevant qualifications and certificates.
- Supporting documents.
Prepare all the required documents starting your application for seamless registration.
How the YEPE Application Process Works
The application to final phase of the programme will follow the following stages:
Step 1: Online Application
All applications are to be completed online through the AKY-YEPE Portal.
Step 2: Shortlisting and Screening
Shortlisting of applicants will be based on the Local Government Area quota/slots. Shortlisted candidates will receive an invite for screening through SMS and shortlist can also check through the portal.
Step 3: Biometric Capturing
Successful candidates who scaled through the screening will be invited for biometric capturing and documentation at their training centers/institutions.
Step 4: Training Course
Selected candidates will participate in the training based on what they chose during application.
Step 5: Empowerment
Trainees who completed their training satisfied the programme criteria such as attendance, participation in assignment and projects will receive empowerment support and tools to start their own businesses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many candidate’s applications are rejected since from their registration due to avoidable mistakes. I will advised you applicants to avoid the following:
- Inputing incorrect NIN
- Using inactive phone number or dormant accounts.
- Applying for wrong programme you are not qualified for.
- Uploading wrong and blurred documents.
- Applying for programme that is meant for gender you don’t belong to. e.g Horticulture for Men.
- Applying for multiple programmes
- Providing fake or forged documents
Application Tips
Use the following tips to improve your chances of selection in the programme:
- Make sure your personal information matches your credentials and documents.
- Use valid email address and active phone number.
- Cross check your details inputted before submitting your application.
- Print and keep your application slip for reference number for future use.
- Monitor your phone number for Official SMS from AKY-YEPE.
- You can always check your application status through the portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Kano State YEPE application free?
Applicants should take note that applying for this programme is free.
Who can apply?
Candidates that can apply should Kano State Indigene/resident with valid Indigene certificate with ages between 18 to 35 years.
Can previous beneficiaries apply again?
Candidates who had benefited in the previous programme is not eligible to apply.
Is NIN compulsory?
Yes, applicants must poya valid National Identification Number (NIN).
What happens if I am not selected for Batch A?
Candidates who didn’t make it to first batch of the programme may still chance for selection in Batch B and C.
How will I know if I am shortlisted?
Shortlisted candidates will be notify through text message and can also check their shortlist status by login to their profiles through the portal.
Can I apply for more than one institute?
No, applying for more than in programme is multiple applications which is automatic disqualification.
Do all programmes require educational qualifications?
No, but some programmes required minimum of SSCE results why some is a Bachelor’s degree. So check for the requirements before applying..
When is the application deadline?
Submission of applications for Batch A programme will close on 24th July, 2026.
Where can I check my application status?
Applicants can check their applications status through the Kano State Empowerment Status Portal.
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