The Federal Government’s decision to establish the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) was informed by the fact that 10 years after independence in 1960, the country was still grappling with the twin problems of replacing the departing colonial workforce with qualified Nigerians and growing the industrial base of the new nation.

The Director-General of ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, stated this while marking the 55th anniversary of the Fund at its headquarters in Jos as well as his three years in office.

Ogun pointed out that the ITF was charged with providing a pool of qualified Nigerians to occupy key se
ctors of the economy, maintaining that the Fund has positioned Nigeria for global competitiveness.

“Today, 55 years later, we celebrate this landmark as a tribute to our commitment to resilience as an organisation. I am aware that we had to overcome numerous hamstrings and debilitating challenges that stood in our path while also contributing significantly to the goals and objectives of the Federal Government,” he said.

According to him, in spite of the historic achievements of his predecessors, the current management was not resting on its oars.

He disclosed that since assuming office on October 17, 2023, ITF under his leadership has pursued a deliberate and ambitious transformation agenda to reposition the Fund as a loading institution for skills development.

He said the ITF would pursue workforce enhancement and national economic growth vigorously, stressing that the agenda is driven by its commitment to ensuring that the Fund remains relevant to the needs of a rapidly changing economy.

“In the last three years, we have expanded the Fund’s reach and impact, strengthened strategic partnerships with local and international institutions, introduced global standards in vocational education and skills certification, modernised our operational processes through digital transformation and empowered hundreds of thousands of Nigerians through innovative skills acquisition programmes including the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme,” Ogun pointed out.

He also said that the organisation has remained firmly committed to staff welfare under his watch, having recognised that a motivated, well-supported and highly skilled workforce is critical to delivering its mandate of driving skills development and human capital growth in Nigeria.

“Therefore, under my administration, the Fund has recorded significant progress in staff promotion and career advancement as eligible officers across various cadres have benefited from promotion exercises that recognise diligence, dedication and outstanding performance while providing pathways for professional growth.

“These efforts have strengthened staff confidence, boosted morale and reinforced a culture of merit, excellence and professionalism within the Fund,” he posited.