By Rabi’u Sunusi
Kano State has hosted the 52nd Annual National Conference and Workshop of the Home Economics Teachers Association of Nigeria (HETAN), with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf calling for a comprehensive repositioning of Home Economics education as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, Job creation and sustainable development.
Governor Yusuf, who was unavoidably absent at the opening ceremony, was represented by the Secretary to the Kano State Government Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, who delivered the Governor’s address before delegates from all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Held under the theme, “Repositioning Home Economics Education for Innovation Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” the conference brought together educators, policymakers professional practitioners and other stakeholders to examine the evolving role of Home Economics and its potential contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
The Governor described the theme as timely and relevant to Nigeria’s efforts to develop a skilled self-reliant and economically empowered population.
He stressed that Home Economics had moved far beyond traditional household management now covering areas such as food and nutrition, fashion and textiles, hospitality, family resource management, technology and entrepreneurship.
Governor Yusuf therefore urged stakeholders to transform the discipline into a practical platform for skills acquisition, innovation, enterprise development and wealth creation.
He emphasised that students and graduates should be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills not only to compete for available jobs but also to establish businesses and create employment for others.
He further advocated the integration of digital technology, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and modern production methods into Home Economics education.
According to him technical competence must be complemented by training in entrepreneurship, branding, financial management, digital marketing and access to markets if graduates are to succeed in today’s competitive economy.
The Governor also called for stronger collaboration between educational institutions, industries, financial institutions, government agencies and development partners to provide modern equipment, practical training, mentorship, internships and access to opportunities that would enable young people to turn their skills into sustainable enterprises.
On environmental sustainability, Governor Yusuf noted that Home Economics could contribute significantly to addressing food waste, environmental degradation, rising household expenses and the effects of climate change through responsible consumption, recycling, energy conservation, sustainable food practices and environmentally friendly production.
He equally called for urgent collective action against drug addiction among young people, warning that the menace poses a serious threat to the future of the nation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to programmes that promote skills acquisition, employability, entrepreneurship and innovation, noting that Kano’s long-standing traditions of commerce, craftsmanship, textile production, tailoring and food processing provide a strong foundation for connecting education with modern enterprise and technology.
He charged HETAN to ensure that the conference produces practical recommendations capable of generating measurable impact in schools, communities and the wider Nigerian economy.
Earlier, the National President of HETAN, Mrs Onothoja Evelyn, commended the Kano State Government for providing a hospitable and enabling environment for delegates from across the country.
She described HETAN as an association whose relevance extends beyond classroom teaching to hospitality, healthcare, fashion, food and beverages, entrepreneurship and societal wellbeing.
The Chairperson of HETAN, Kano Chapter Hajiya Halima Abubakar delivered the welcome address while other dignitaries included the Accountant General of Kano State, Hajiya Jamila Magaji Abdullahi who represented the First Lady of Kano State; Permanent Secretary Kano Educational Resource Department Hajiya Rabi Inuwa Hussain Dr Zainab Shehu Hussain; HETAN executives from the 36 states and the FCT and other distinguished guests.
