Arc Aminu Dabo Mourns Alhaji Ahmad Baba Kurawa, Hails Contributions to Vocational Education and Cultural Heritage.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
October 23, 2026.
The Proprietor of a group of private healthcare institutions in Kano State and former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Architect Aminu Dabo, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned technical education expert, entrepreneur and cultural enthusiast, Alhaji Ahmad Baba Kurawa, who passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 77 following a brief illness.
Dabo, in a condolence message to the deceased’s family, described his passing as a painful loss to his immediate family, the education sector, the vocational training community and society at large, considering his remarkable contributions to human capital development, skills acquisition and the preservation of Hausa cultural heritage.
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The late Alhaji Kurawa, a retired Director of Human Resources at the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), was widely recognised for his commitment to practical education and vocational empowerment. He strongly believed that the development of technical skills and practical knowledge was essential to building a productive society, creating employment opportunities and reducing dependence on government jobs.
He was also a passionate advocate for the preservation and promotion of Hausa traditional arts and craftsmanship, particularly the art of traditional blending and the production of indigenous attire, which he regarded as an important aspect of the region’s cultural identity and economic heritage.
According to Dabo, the death of the respected educationist and entrepreneur has created a significant vacuum in the areas of vocational education, skills development and cultural preservation, where his experience, dedication and contributions will be greatly missed.
He noted that Kurawa’s commitment to empowering young people through practical training reflected the importance of equipping the next generation with employable skills and entrepreneurial knowledge capable of transforming their lives and strengthening the economy.
Dabo further observed that the late Kurawa’s approach to education demonstrated the need for greater investment in technical and vocational institutions, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where such institutions can provide young people with alternatives to conventional academic pathways.
He said the deceased’s dedication to practical knowledge and self-reliance should serve as an inspiration to policymakers, private-sector investors, educational institutions and philanthropists to support initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, craftsmanship and sustainable livelihoods.
The former NPA Managing Director prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him His infinite mercy and admit him into Aljannatul Firdausi.
He also prayed that Allah would grant the bereaved family, relatives, colleagues, friends, associates and all those affected by the loss the strength, patience and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Alhaji Kurawa is survived by his wife, 14 children and numerous grandchildren.
Dabo’s Previous Visit to Kurawa’s Vocational Institution
The relationship between the two men was underscored by an advocacy visit to the Saudat and Ummulkhairi Foundation School of Vocational Education, Kurawa, on July 23, 2024, when Dabo visited the privately owned institution founded and managed by the late Alhaji Kurawa.
During the visit, Kurawa commended Dabo for his commitment to youth empowerment, community development and initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth through skills acquisition.
He also explained the history, objectives and achievements of the institution, which was established in 2010 to provide specialised vocational training and equip students with practical skills for employment and self-employment.
The school offers training in fashion design, knitting, leatherwork, catering and makeup and decoration, among other vocational fields.
A major area of specialisation is the production of traditional Hausa clothing and accessories, including Alkyabba, rawani, caps and traditional horse-riding attire. These skills not only preserve the region’s cultural heritage but also provide opportunities for trainees to establish businesses, generate income and contribute to the local economy.
Kurawa explained that the institution was established to bridge the gap between conventional education and practical skills development by giving young people the opportunity to acquire competencies that could enable them to become self-reliant.
He expressed concern that despite Kano State’s rich cultural heritage, large population and considerable economic potential, private-sector participation in vocational education remained an area requiring greater attention.
He argued that increased investment in vocational institutions would create more opportunities for young people to learn marketable skills, establish small businesses and reduce excessive dependence on government employment.
The late educationist believed that a society that invests in practical knowledge and entrepreneurship would be better positioned to address unemployment, stimulate economic activities and build sustainable prosperity.
A Legacy of Skills Development and Cultural Preservation
Kurawa’s career and entrepreneurial activities reflected a broader vision of education as a tool for economic empowerment and social development. His work at the NBTE and his commitment to vocational training highlighted the importance of technical education in preparing individuals for the demands of the labour market.
His passion for Hausa craftsmanship also represented an effort to preserve traditional occupations that have sustained generations of artisans while adapting them to contemporary economic opportunities.
Through vocational training in fashion, leatherwork and other practical disciplines, institutions such as the Saudat and Ummulkhairi Foundation School of Vocational Education can help preserve indigenous knowledge while creating pathways for entrepreneurship and wealth generation.
His passing is therefore a reminder of the importance of supporting individuals and institutions dedicated to technical education, cultural preservation and youth development.
As family members, friends, colleagues and associates mourn his departure, the late Alhaji Ahmad Baba Kurawa will be remembered for his commitment to practical education, the promotion of self-reliance and his efforts to preserve the rich cultural traditions of the Hausa people.
May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, illuminate his grave, grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdausi and comfort all those he has left behind. Ameen.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 24th, 2026
