The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), in partnership with the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), has successfully equipped 62 Nigerian youths with industry-relevant technical competencies following the graduation of Batch XIV participants of the ITF–NECA Technical Skills Development Project in Lagos.
The graduation ceremony took place at the Industrial Skills Training Centre (ISTC), Ikeja, where the beneficiaries were awarded certificates of competence after undergoing rigorous classroom-based learning, extensive practical training, and industrial attachment across various technical disciplines.
Addressing attendees at the ceremony, the Director-General and Chief Executive of ITF, Dr. Afiz Ogun, described the graduation exercise as a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to develop a robust pool of skilled indigenous technical manpower capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic growth. He noted that the programme is in line with ITF’s statutory responsibility to close skills gaps and enhance the employability of Nigerian youths.
Dr. Ogun explained that the ITF–NECA Technical Skills Development Project was specifically structured to provide participants with practical, industry-ready competencies that directly address the workforce needs of contemporary industries. He commended NECA for its continued commitment to the partnership, stating that the initiative highlights the effectiveness of public–private collaboration in reducing unemployment and boosting industrial productivity.
He further encouraged the graduands to regard themselves as change agents, urging them to deploy their acquired skills creatively and make meaningful contributions to national development. Dr. Ogun also drew attention to other ITF intervention initiatives, including the Skills-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), which aims to train millions of Nigerians in alignment with the Federal Government’s National Talent Export Programme.
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In his welcome remarks, the Training Manager of ISTC Ikeja, Mr. Akeem Salimonu, stated that the project was established to address the disconnect between the skill sets of young Nigerians and the practical requirements of industry. He disclosed that ISTC Ikeja has been an active participant in the initiative for more than 15 years and was recently recognised by NECA for its performance during the 2025 implementation cycle.
Mr. Salimonu revealed that of the 804 applications received for the 2025 intake, only 62 trainees met all the requirements and successfully completed the programme. He added that the participants were trained in several technical areas, including automobile maintenance, mechanical maintenance and machining, electrical installation, welding and fabrication, instrumentation and process control, refrigeration and air conditioning, as well as information and communication technology.
He also pointed out the growing level of female participation in the programme, noting that the women among the graduates clearly demonstrated that the acquisition of technical skills is not restricted by gender.
Delivering the valedictory address on behalf of the trainees, the Batch XIV representative, Mr. Henry Okwonkwo, expressed appreciation for the programme, stating that it provided participants with sustainable technical competencies and valuable hands-on experience. He explained that the industrial attachment component played a critical role in closing the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, while also promoting self-reliance and job creation.
The event concluded with the formal presentation of certificates and a call on the graduates to act as ambassadors of the ITF–NECA Technical Skills Development Project, leveraging their skills to enhance productivity, foster innovation, and contribute to overall economic development.
