The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ITF

  • ITF opens southeast zonal office in Imo

    ITF opens southeast zonal office in Imo

    The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has officially inaugurated its Southeast Zonal Office in Owerri, Imo State, with officials from federal, state, and private establishments in attendance.

    Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Imo State Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investments, Rex Anunobi, performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

    He said the establishment of the office underscored the strong foundation laid by the state government to enable businesses to thrive.

    He further highlighted the state’s collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in ensuring certification for local products through the Quality Assurance Centre, noting the critical role of the informal sector as the bedrock of economic development.

    “With the ITF here providing the necessary skills for manpower development, our duty is to partner with them to ensure that we create impacts that are mutually 

    beneficial. The collaboration between the Skillup Artisans Project of the ITF and Skillup-Imo championed by the State Ministry of Digital Economy will bring numerous benefits,” he said.

    He thanked President Bola Tinubu and the ITF Director General/Chief Executive, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun for the positive development, and called for synergy among stakeholders in moving the Southeast economy forward.

    In his speech, the ITF DG, Dr. Ogun represented by the Southeast Director, Mrs. Chioma Uloaku Ogbonna, appreciated Governor Uzodimma for facilitating the establishment of the office, and assured of using the ITF expansive network and all-inclusive experience to implement manpower and industrial development in the state.

    She explained that the skill-up artisans project under President Tinubu, has remained the priority of the ITF Director General, Dr. Ogun, who is committed to its success and the people of Southeast benefiting.

    “Skillup Artisans Project is the heartbeat of our Director General, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun and it is the very first project we are going to implement in Imo State. Our massage to the artisans who have been in the informal sector is that ITF is here to give them dignity for their labour. 

    Read Also: Blaming Tinubu for North’s problems deceitful, says Sani

    “The work of their hands, their talents and passion in doing artisanry works are here to be recognized, formalized, harmonized, licensed and certified by the Industrial Training Fund,” Mrs. Ogbonna, assured, while soliciting support and cooperation from stakeholders.

    The event also had in attendance the Imo State Commissioner for Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals, Rt. Hon. Ernest Ibejiakor, Special Adviser on Skills, Hon. Chidi Onyebuchi, the ITF ABA Area Manager, Mr. Nwigboji Nwafagu, that of Enugu, Dr. (Mrs.) Fidelia Irabor and the Owerri Area Manager, Mr. Simon Ogbonna who expressed their gratitude and support to the zonal office.

    Rev. Fr. Gregory Iwu during dedication prayers, admonished the staff to always show fairness and commitment while discharging their duties for the good of the country and humanity.

  • ITF to add 100,000 artisans for skills acquisition

    ITF to add 100,000 artisans for skills acquisition

    The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is set to train an additional 100,000 artisans for the next batch of Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) 1 program. It has confirmed its completion of the first phase program by graduating 29,000 artisans in the Foundation phase of 2024.

    The SUPA program is set up to address availability of skilled manpower to Nigerian industries, with the aim of aggregating existing and intending artisans and also leveraging technology by ascertaining  their skill level and implementing training to upskill these artisans.

    Its Director-General, Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun disclosed this at the weekend in Abuja during a media chat, stating that this training will expose them to international certification examinations and ensure they are connected to the real economy either through direct employment or placement in foreign jobs.

    “ITF is tasked with implementing this program drawing on its vast institutional and infrastructural capabilities, the institution will spare no effort in delivering on this task. SUPA is designed for implementation in 3 phases of Foundation, SUPA I and SUPA II.

    Read Also: NSITF, ICPC collaborate to protect subscribers’ funds

    “The Foundation program is the introductory phase of the training, SUPA I training focuses on the acquisition of three soft skills to witness certification in Artisan Project Management, Artisan Health and Safety and Artisan Ethics and Patriotism. SUPA focuses on technical and entrepreneurial training artisans with exposure to certification examinations by International Awarding Bodies.

    “To graduate 29,000 artisans in the Foundation phase of 2024, ITF created a registration platform, www.supa.itf.gov.ng, conducted a screening exercise in each of the 90 Senatorial Districts in the country to validate the registered artisans, assessed and enlisted qualified Training Centres and monitored training of artisans placed in those centres,” he said.

    Ogun added that, independent checks with the artisans who participated in the program confirmed that despite initial hiccups, they were duly paid stipend promised by ITF and the Training Centres were also paid.

  • ITF wins Servicom’s best-performing PSU award

    ITF wins Servicom’s best-performing PSU award

    The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has won the prestigious best performing Parastatal Servicom Unit (PSU) award in the Team A category.

    This was announced in a statement by the ITF Director-General, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, who described the recognition as a testament to the organisation’s commitment to professionalism and exceptional service delivery.

    Dr. Ogun highlighted that the achievement reflects the effectiveness of ITF’s strategic initiatives, which focus on enhancing customer experience, driving transparency, and empowering Nigerians through skill development and training.

    He commended the staff of the organisation for their unwavering dedication, which, according to him, played a critical role in securing the award.

    The ITF Director-General also expressed gratitude to Servicom, stakeholders, and the Federal Government for their support, emphasising that the award serves as motivation to continue the agency’s commitment to innovation and excellence in delivering impactful services to Nigerians.

    The agency reiterated its pledge to continue driving initiatives that promote industrial and economic advancement while maintaining its reputation for outstanding service delivery.

    Read Also: Biden’s pitfalls Trump must avoid in Palestine —Fani-Kayode

    The statement reads partly, “We are thrilled to announce that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has won the Award of Excellence as the Best Performing PSU (Team A) amongst ranked agencies by Servicom!

    ”This prestigious recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to exceptional service delivery and our relentless pursuit of excellence.

    “At ITF, we have always strived to provide world-class services that empower Nigerians, drive industrial growth, and foster economic development. Our team’s dedication, hard work, and passion for excellence have paid off, and we are humbled by this recognition.

    “This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our staff, who have demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, integrity, and customer-centricity. Your dedication to delivering outstanding services has earned ITF this prestigious accolade, and we are forever grateful.”

  • ITF disowns phony online scholarship platform

    ITF disowns phony online scholarship platform

    Director General of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Afiz Ogun, has distanced the management from a phony online scholarship scheme on the Internet, claiming to offer a “Boys Industrial Training Initiative 2024 Undergraduate Technical Internship.

    In a statement, Dr. Ogun said  ITF had no affiliation with the organisation, and urged the public to verify internship or scholarship before submitting information. He asked individuals to be cautious of requests for sensitive information, research the organisation, and check for HTTPS encryption on websites, to avoid falling victim to fraudulent scheme.

    He said the fake advertisement was a malicious attempt to deceive individuals.

    “We urge the public to be cautious and verify internship or scholarship before submitting information,” Ogun said.

    The fake website, with ITF logo, provides information, deadlines and application procedures. But ITF authorities confirm this initiative is fabricated and misleading.

    Read Also; Ofone!

    Ogun said ITF is a reputable organisation providing research and development, direct training, curriculum design, student industrial work experience, technical and vocational skill, ICT training, MSME development, and support services.

    A current initiative is the Skill Up Artisan (SUPA) programme, to empower 10 million artisans in 20 trades.

    Continuing, he said:  “ITF is transparent and accountable. We will continue to provide legitimate training and development to Nigerians. We urge the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.”

    In addition, individuals should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. ITF urged individuals who applied for the fake programme to report to its nearest office.

    By bringing this issue to light, ITF reaffirmed its commitment ‘‘to protecting the public and promoting legitimate training and development opportunities,” he added.  

  • ITF trains 4000 Nigerian Youths in various skills

    ITF trains 4000 Nigerian Youths in various skills

    The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) says it trained a total of 4000 Nigerian youths in various skills in the year 2024.

    The training was carried out in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Budgeting and Economic Planning under the ITF’s National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (NERGP).

    The director general of ITF, Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun stated this in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi state on Friday, June 7, during the graduation ceremony of a fresh batch of graduates of the programme.

    He noted that so far 100 youths in the state have participated and benefited in the three months of technical and vocational training.

    According to him, the beneficiaries underwent two months of intensive learning and one month of practicals/hands-on training.

    “The ITF – NERGP programme is aimed at equipping our youths with the technical and vocational skills, knowledge, and attitude that will enable them to become Self-employed or employers of Labour.”

    “The ITF-NERGP is aimed at upskilling and re-skilling our youths in different trades thereby addressing skills gap challenges in our dear Country”, he explained

    Represented by the Acting Area Manager of ITF in Ebonyi State, John Chukwuelue, Mr Ogun noted that the ITF-NERGP training covers the following trades: – furniture making, plumbing and pipe fitting, electrical installation, and beauty care.

    Read Also: Reps panel places NSITF on status enquiry

    “All the participants were given Start-up- packs in accordance with the trade each learnt. The training was a huge success as most of the beneficiaries are able to demonstrate and practice what they have learnt without supervision”, he said

    The Director General noted that the Agency has over the years developed numerous skills intervention programmes aimed at tackling unemployment and poverty, promoting entrepreneurship, and reducing youth restiveness while also facilitating the diversification of the Nigerian economy in line with the Federal Government’s policy.

    He said: “Some of the programmes implemented by the Fund include the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP), the Women Skills Empowerment Programme (WOSEP), Construction Skills Empowerment Programme (CONSEP), Agri-partnership Skills Empowerment Programme (AgSEP), Skills Training and Empowerment Programme for the Physically Challenged (STEPP-C) amongst several others.

    “After three (3) months of training, participants were properly assessed. The programme is certified using the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) model which is a system for the development, classification, and recognition of skills, knowledge, and competencies acquired by individuals, irrespective of where and how the training or skill was acquired.

    “Based on this, I am confident that the trainees are well-equipped with the skills, knowledge, and attitude to run successful technical vocational businesses within and beyond the state.

    “However, for the efforts of Mr President to have a meaningful impact, it behoves us as government officials, Non-Governmental organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to join hands with the Government for the growth and development of our dear country”, he said

    The DG encouraged the beneficiaries to make the most of the training that have acquired urging them to use the skills they learnt to build a successful career.

    “These packs are not just a way to make a quick buck; they are a chance for you to make a real difference. They are your ticket to launching your own business and becoming an Entrepreneur”, he added.

  • ITF mourn  former President Brian Tobin

    ITF mourn  former President Brian Tobin

    The International Tennis Federation  has released a tribute, announcing the death of its former President Brian Tobin, who died on 22 April at the age of 93.

    ITF expressed its condolences to Tobin’s wife Carmen, sons Geoff and Alan, and his family and friends around the world. Tobin served two terms as president of the international tennis governing body, from 1991 to 1999.

    Born on 5 December 1930 in Perth, Australia, Tobin was a top 10 player in the country from 1956 to 1962; ranking at number 8 at his career highest. He was a doubles winner in the 1954 Australian hard courts and a mixed doubles winner at both the Swiss championships and the Netherlands championships in 1964.

    Read Also: Artisans laud ITF for engaging members

    He left his tennis career behind to spend more than 20 years working in banking and finance, but would later return as honorary president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Australia (now Tennis Australia), eventually becoming its first full-time president.

    Tobin made a lasting impact in the world of tennis, including overseeing the move of the Australian Open from the grass courts of Kooyong to its current home at Melbourne Park, and the construction of Rod Laver Arena with its revolutionary retractable roof.

    At ITF, he guided the sport into a new era that followed the establishment of the ATP and WTA tours and the reintroduction of tennis into the Olympics in 1988. He greatly enhanced and developed the ITF’s core activities and major events including Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup (then Fed Cup).

    In 1986 Tobin was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), and in 1999 received the Olympic Order from the IOC. In 2003 Tobin was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

  • Artisans seek overhaul of ITF

    Artisans seek overhaul of ITF

    Artisans, under the auspices of the Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), has called on the Federal Government to overhaul the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), saying it has performed below the expectations of Nigerians.

    Director of Artisans,  ASNAT, Sanusi Gusau lamented that the agency had failed in its  responsibilities as the mover of Nigeria’s micro economy and service providers.

    Gusau said: We, therefore, humbly call upon the Federal Government for the total overhauling of  Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for an effective economic revitalisation and enhanced productivity in the country by improving on small and agro-allied industries thereby creating employment opportunities, increasing our Gross Domestic Products (GDP), addressing the issues of youth restiveness and insecurity in the country.”

    Read Also: FG partners with ITF to train five million Nigerian artisans in a year

    Also, the Abia State Government has called for a modern curriculum from the ITF to better equip Nigerians with the skills needed in the job market.

    Recently, the Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, met with the ITF management at the Government House in Umuahia.

    During their discussions, Pastor Ajagba emphasised the importance of effective skills acquisition programmes in industry and commerce.

    He highlighted the need to cultivate a pool of well-trained talents to satisfy the demands of private and public sector enterprises.

  • FG partners with ITF to train five million Nigerian artisans in a year

    FG partners with ITF to train five million Nigerian artisans in a year

    The federal government, in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has come up with an initiative tagged “Skill-up Artisans to upskill, license, and empower five million Nigerian artisans in a year.

    The director-general of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Afiz Ogun Oluwatoyin, disclosed this at a workshop titled: “Design and Development of Curriculum for the Up-Skill Artisans SUPA” held at the headquarters of the fund in Jos, Plateau State.

    Oluwatoyin pointed out that the initiative under SUPA will be carried out by collecting data on Nigerian artisans through massive training, certification, and licensing for better job opportunities for both local and international artisans.

    He enumerated that one of the purposes of the programme was to ensure that Nigerian artisans access essential tools, equipment, and funds to expand their trades and equally enhance employment opportunities for artisans in local and international markets.

    He said: “Another benefit is to provide economic empowerment for artisans by equipping them with employable skills that enhance their earning potential and contribute to poverty reduction. Also to improve the overall quality of service provided by indigenous artisans, thereby reducing dependence on foreign artisans.

    Read Also: FG inaugurates steering committee for Nigeria’s ID4D project

    The ITF boss disclosed that the initiative will as well, empower those who want to travel out of the country for greener pastures, adding that it is essential for the young ones who want to “Japa” to arm themselves with the requisite skills to make their relocation meaningful.

    He said: “Instead of going there for menial jobs, if you are armed with the requisite skills, getting a job anywhere in the world will not be a problem. This program is also meant to empower the young, no matter their background.”

    The director-general, who was represented at the occasion by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Olasupo Abimbola, said the joint initiative between the federal government and ITF also reflects the government’s commitment to promote economic development and improve the standard of living of citizens across the industry.

  • ITF equips over 500,000 with skills in different trades

    ITF equips over 500,000 with skills in different trades

    The Director-General Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun disclosed that the organization is breeding a new generation of entrepreneurs, by equipping over 500,000 Nigerians nationwide with cutting edge skills in various trades.

    He disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the 2023 National Industrial Skills Development Programme in Abuja, stating that ITF has over the years developed numerous skills intervention programmes aimed at tackling unemployment and poverty.

    He added that this also tacles the promotion of entrepreneurship and the reduction of youth restiveness as it facilitates the diversification of the Nigerian economy in line with the federal government policy.

    Read Also: Nigerian Breweries Plc, ITF toempower 1,000 youths, women

    According to him, “The commitment to skills acquisition is based on the fact that it is the most sustainable solution to combatting unemployment, reducing poverty and youth restiveness in the country.

    The situation is worrisome in Nigeria as youths roam the street without any form of gainful employment giving rise to crime and other social vices.

    “The ITF has achieved a lot over half a century of its existence, the organization needs a new direction and focus for the policies and goals for the Tinubu administration to be achieved. My emphasis has been for ITF to become a catalyst for National growth by deepening it’s activities and  impact on the national economy”.

    Ogun said, across the length and breadth of the country today there are tangible and impressive evidence of the government’s effort to boost the economy using the Renewed Hope Agenda. Nigerians should join hands with the growth and development of the country.

  • ITF, NECA partnership graduates54,603 skilled technicians

    ITF, NECA partnership graduates54,603 skilled technicians

    The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in partnership with Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) have lauded technical skills students for distinguishing themselves in the course of the 2023 ITF-NECA Technical Skills Development Project (TSDP) as the project has so far supported 59 participating organisations.

    The Director-General, ITF, Oluwatoyin Ogun, stated this at the ITF, NECA stakeholders dialogue forum for Outstanding Trainee Award in Abuja. He said participating organisations and technical colleges with machinery and technical equipment have so far graduated 54,603 highly skilled technicians that are either employed in corporate organisations, or have become entrepreneurs that are employing others.

    Ogun said the partnership between the two institutions has upgraded 10 Federal and States Science and Technical Colleges, by supplying and installing modern training equipment and tools. It has donated modern and state-of-the-art equipment,  tools and consumables to participating organisations, thereby expanding the training capacity.

    Read Also: ITF to graduate over 5,300 trainees on special skills

    “The organisations have constructed and renovated training workshops for six Government Technical Colleges. empowered graduates of the TSDP with Business Start-up grants. They link Project graduates to employers of labour for direct employment too.

    “These brilliant students have not only exhibited exceptional qualities that will help them in the achievement of their personal goals, but have alsodeveloped qualities that underscore the overall aim and objectives for which the programme was initiated in the first place. 

    The Director General, NECA,  Adewale Oyerinde urged members to incorporate and promote quality apprenticeships within

    their relevant education. vocational training, lifelong learning and

    employment policies.