The remarkable story of Yusuf Ibrahim Sulaiman is a powerful testament to how skills acquisition can completely transform a person’s life.
Once a street beggar with no clear future, Yusuf is now a self-reliant entrepreneur and mentor, demonstrating that anyone, regardless of background, can rise above adversity with the right support and determination.
In an exclusive interview on SolaceBase TV, Yusuf opened up about his humble beginnings and the inspiring journey that led to his current success.
“There was a time I believed I would spend my whole life on the streets,” Yusuf shared. “I never imagined a day would come when I’d have my own business and be helping others.”
Born and raised in Rimin Gata, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, Yusuf studied at Tsangayar Mallam Ibrahim Rijiyar Zaki. Like many Almajiris, his early life revolved around Islamic studies and survival through begging.
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During breaks and weekends, I used to go and do some small jobs to earn a little money. But mostly, we just studied and begged for food. That was our routine,” he said.
A natural curiosity and creativity led Yusuf and his peers to begin making small toys like aeroplanes and cars for fun. Over time, they started incorporating simple electronics to make their creations move.
This spark of innovation caught the attention of Engineer Mustapha Habu Ringim, Founder, Engausa Global Tech Hub.
“Engineer Habu saw what we were doing and decided to sponsor us at ENGAUSA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION,” Yusuf recalled. “That’s where my journey truly began.”
At Engausa, Yusuf and four others received scholarships for hands-on training in various trades, including solar technology, flashlight repair, graphic design, and smartphone repair.
“We first joined a five-week special training class where we were taught theory and practical aspects of modern technology,” Yusuf explained. “At first, I wasn’t interested—I just wanted to focus on one skill, not many. But I kept going.”
Eventually, Yusuf focused on smartphone repair. Engineer Habu registered him and his peers for another intensive five-week course, again free of charge.
The training included both software and hardware repair, and Yusuf quickly began to practice using the phones of his friends and neighbours.
“After the training, I opened a small container shop. That was four years ago,” Yusuf said. “Today, I run a bigger shop, and I train others—especially Almajiris and neighbourhood youth—so they can learn and grow like I did.”
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Yusuf’s shop, located in Rijiyar Zaki, Kano, has become a hub of opportunity. He now employs five young people and continues to balance his business with academic pursuits. He is currently a Level 200 student at Northwest University, Kano.
“Phone repair has changed my life. It helped me fund my education, and I now support my entire family through this work,” he said proudly. “And despite running the shop, we still attend school during school hours and return to work afterwards.”
“This opportunity changed my life,” Yusuf told SolaceBase TV.
“ENGAUSA HUB gave me the skills to earn a living with dignity. Before this, I never believed I could amount to anything.”
His story is more than just personal success—it’s a model for community upliftment. Skills acquisition has enabled Yusuf to move from dependence to independence and to become a source of hope for others.
“I feel proud knowing I can give others a chance like I was given. I teach them every day—not just the trade, but how to believe in themselves.”
For Yusuf, skills acquisition isn’t just about getting a job—it’s about restoring dignity, building confidence, and creating a ripple effect that touches families and communities.
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“To my fellow Almajiris, I say this: learn a skill. Jobs like nail cutting and haircutting are fine, but skills like phone repair can take you further. You can support yourself, go to school, and help your family.”
“Life can change,” he concluded.
“You just need the right support and the will to learn. Skills can open doors you never thought possible. No more begging—there’s a better way.”
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