The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has marked a major milestone in its national workforce development agenda with its flagship Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) programme. Designed to train, standardise, and certify Nigerian artisans, SUPA has already trained hundreds of thousands of workers. The programme aims to train an additional 200,000 workers in 2026. This initiative is part of the ITF's efforts to boost the skills of Nigerian artisans and enhance their global competitiveness.
The ITF's 55th anniversary celebration also marks the third year in office of its Director General, Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun. The event highlights the Fund's structural reforms to modernize career pathways for Nigerian youths. These reforms include the establishment of three sustainable exit routes: the Talent Export Pathway, Industry Placement Pathway, and Business Incubation Pathway. These pathways aim to provide Nigerian youths with viable options for their careers.
To maintain rigorous quality control, the ITF has officially approved 776 out of 1,308 assessed training centres nationwide. This move ensures that only high-quality training centres are recognized and supported by the Fund. The ITF has also established partnerships with overseas entities such as Turkey's Alberk QA Technic, City & Guilds UK, ASQ Solutions UK, and Japan's METI and AOTS.
The ITF has also prioritized infrastructure renewals, including renovations to the Headquarters main office, staff quarters in Port Harcourt, a Model Skills Training Centre in Enugu, and new area offices in Lafia and Bauchi. A specialized Mechatronics and ICT Training Centre is underway in Ikare-Akoko. These upgrades aim to enhance the Fund's operational efficiency and provide better facilities for its staff and trainees.
The ITF has also emphasized staff welfare through regular promotions, capacity building under a "Work Smart" policy, and practical relief measures. These measures include a 47,600-litre fueling station at the Jos headquarters paired with a salary-deduction fuel-card scheme. The Fund's focus on staff welfare aims to boost morale and productivity among its employees.
The ITF has achieved significant milestones, including Nigeria's entry onto the international skills stage as the 83rd member of WorldSkills International. The Fund has also established the WorldSkills Academy in Abuja. These achievements demonstrate the ITF's commitment to enhancing Nigeria's skills and vocational education.
The ITF's Director General, Dr Ogun, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, supervising authorities, and the Organised Private Sector. He urged staff to maintain core values as the Fund sets its sights on its Diamond Jubilee. The ITF's 55th anniversary celebration marks a significant milestone in its history, and the Fund is poised for continued growth and development.
Key points
- The ITF's Skill-Up Artisans programme has trained hundreds of thousands of workers and aims to train an additional 200,000 in 2026.
- The Fund has established partnerships with overseas entities to enhance vocational education and global competitiveness.
- The ITF has prioritized infrastructure renewals and staff welfare to boost operational efficiency and employee morale.
