This paper examines vocational adult education concepts, issues and problems in the context of Kano State, Nigeria. It has been pointed out by a number of commentators that vocational education practices and problems have some relatively universal commonalities across Europe, the USA and developing countries such as Nigeria. State-sponsored vocational adult education programmes in Kano State, Nigeria can open up opportunities for the current generation of local skilled technicians who can consequently earn more and contribute to the overall effort towards poverty reduction in society. Similar trends in the values, prospects and difficulties faced in Kano's vocational adult education programmes are found in the other 18 northern states of Nigeria. Therefore, the possible solutions recommended for Kano can have wider implications and relevance for all the northern states of Nigeria.