ITF Marks 55 Years of Driving Skills, Industrial Growth

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) commemorated its 55th anniversary in Jos, highlighting its achievements in skills development and human capital advancement. Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, the Director-General and CEO of the ITF, emphasized the organization's adaptability to the evolving demands of the Nigerian economy and workforce since its inception in 1971.

Over the past three years, the ITF has expanded its skills acquisition programs, bolstered partnerships locally and internationally, digitized key operations, enhanced staff welfare, and upgraded training infrastructure across the country. The organization's flagship initiative, Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA), focuses on training, certifying, and professionalizing artisans nation-wide.

Speaking at the celebration, Alhaji Bamanga Usman Jada, Managing Director and CEO of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), recognized the ITF as a pivotal Nigerian agency in building the nation's human capital. He praised the quality of facilities at the ITF Centre of Excellence in Jos, which stands at an international standard, and commended Dr. Ogun for the organization's progress.

Jada stressed that Nigeria's future prosperity hinges on the development of its human resources, more so than its natural resources, and lauded the Federal Government's efforts to foster investment and industrial growth. The event, attended by government officials, industry leaders, development partners, private sector members, and ITF staff, highlighted the organization's pivotal role in workforce competitiveness and Nigeria's economic development.

Stakeholders expressed confidence in the ITF's continued leadership in enhancing workforce competitiveness and supporting long-term economic goals.