The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is set to broaden its skills development programmes with plans to train a new generation of 21st-century artisans equipped with technical, entrepreneurial and professional skills.

The initiative aims to address Nigeria’s skills gap while promoting self-reliance among young Nigerians.

The Director-General of the Fund, Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, disclosed the plans in Jos during the commissioning of a rehabilitated and modernised filling station at the ITF headquarters.

Ogun explained that the Fund was moving beyond conventional training programmes by developing specialised facilities and equipping young Nigerians with capabilities needed to compete in an evolving global economy.

A key part of the initiative is the proposed ITF Nigeria Skills Academy for secondary school students. According to Ogun, the academy will integrate technical trades with entrepreneurship, patriotism, professional ethics, industrial safety and project management.

“When we train them this way, you will see them different from the old artisans,” Ogun said, adding that the Fund would continue to support existing artisans while developing a new generation equipped for modern industry.

The ITF Director-General also disclosed plans to establish Digital Fabrication Centres across the country. The facilities will specialise in areas such as leather, footwear, textiles, ceramics and metalwork.

He said the centres were expected to broaden access to modern production skills while strengthening Nigeria’s technical workforce.

Ogun further said the ITF had a responsibility to demonstrate the type of dual education system being promoted in Nigeria by linking classroom instruction with practical skills development.

According to him, the approach would enable young Nigerians to develop skills that could enhance their employability while creating avenues for self-employment and enterprise development.

Meanwhile, the Fund also commissioned a rehabilitated filling station at its Jos headquarters as part of measures to improve operational efficiency and staff welfare.

Ogun said the facility had been abandoned and underutilised for several years before its rehabilitation. Its revival will enable ITF staff to purchase fuel through staff cards, with the cost deducted gradually from their salaries.

Director of Estate Management, Dauda Msheliza, said the filling station occupies about 2,150 square metres and has a petrol storage capacity of 47,600 litres. The facility also has provision for a future Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) installation.

He said the project formed part of the Fund’s efforts to restore abandoned ITF facilities and convert them to productive use. The rehabilitation included the installation of modern dispensing pumps, safety equipment and a 52-square-metre administrative building.

During the commissioning activities, Ogun also announced that the ITF would give out 5,000 litres of petrol free of charge. The first 500 vehicles would each receive 10 litres.

Source: msme Africa online