The Trade Fair hosted by NTIC Kano Alumni on 8 November became a vibrant showcase of creativity, entrepreneurship, and community spirit within the school premises. The event brought together talented alumni from different years, each presenting products they had proudly built from personal passion and hard-earned skills. From food to crafts, beverages, and everyday essentials, attendees experienced a colorful display of innovation paired with affordability. The energy across the school grounds reflected how empowered alumni can drive economic activity, inspire younger students, and strengthen the bond within the NTIC community.
The Trade Fair gathered alumni whose businesses ranged from culinary arts to household goods, giving visitors a unique opportunity to taste, shop, and interact directly with young entrepreneurs. One of the most popular categories was food, with stalls offering delicious shawarma, freshly prepared dishes, aromatic pastries, and refreshing drinks. Parents, staff, students, and guests walked from one stand to another, discovering products marked with clear and pocket-friendly price tags. The transparency in pricing boosted sales, encouraged trust, and created an enjoyable buying experience for everyone present.
The Trade Fair also served as an inspiring platform for alumni who had recently started their ventures but needed a space to introduce their products to a larger audience. By offering an accommodating environment, NTIC Kano demonstrated its commitment to supporting graduates beyond the classroom. Items such as homemade zobo, tigernut drinks, snacks, cakes, natural oils, crafts, and small accessories were arranged neatly at the stands. Each vendor explained their production process, allowing visitors to appreciate the hard work behind every item. This engagement encouraged many attendees to buy not just for consumption, but to support the entrepreneurial journeys of the alumni.
The Trade Fair created an atmosphere of connection, allowing younger NTIC students to engage with alumni entrepreneurs and see what practical skills, creativity, and determination can build. Many students asked questions about how the businesses started, what challenges were faced, and how the sellers learned to manage production and finances. These conversations delivered valuable informal mentorship, showing the younger community members, that entrepreneurship is not far-fetched but achievable with focus and consistency. The presence of successful alumni also created a sense of pride, reinforcing the school’s reputation for producing ambitious and impactful individuals.
The Trade Fair promoted a healthy and competitive environment among the vendors as they learned from one another. Since each product had its unique touch—whether in flavour, packaging, or presentation—it allowed entrepreneurs to observe different branding approaches and customer relations techniques. Some vendors offered samples to attract buyers, while others used displays, signage, and creative packaging to stand out. By the end of the event, many participants expressed that they learned new ideas to improve their businesses moving forward.
The Trade Fair highlighted the importance of community support in growing local businesses. Many attendees intentionally bought from multiple stalls, spreading their purchases so that every vendor benefitted. The affordability of items made it possible for parents and staff to shop generously without financial strain. Alumni appreciated the overwhelming encouragement, noting that events like this help them test their products, receive live feedback, and expand their visibility. Several also reported that the networking opportunities were just as valuable as the sales they made during the day.
The Trade Fair concluded with heartfelt appreciation from the Alumni Relations Office, acknowledging both the participants and the NTIC Kano management for providing the school environment, logistics, and support needed to make the event successful. The participation level, product quality, and community enthusiasm exceeded expectations, proving once again that NTIC alumni carry remarkable talent and entrepreneurial strength. The event reaffirmed the role of alumni initiatives in building confidence, promoting self-reliance, and nurturing long-term professional growth among graduates. As the day wrapped up, vendors packed with smiles, satisfied customers, and renewed motivation for their next business milestones.
