Tinubu Resolves Ambiguity In Nigeria’s Skills Eco System

In compliance to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to National Council on Skills, NCS, the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, will henceforth regulate and coordinate the activities of Informal skills sector towards meeting the employment needs in the nation’s industry.

The Director General of ITF, Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin – Ogun made this known in Abuja during a joint news conference with the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE Pro. Idris Bugaje

He, said the move became necessary to resolve the ambiguity and overlapping of mandate by Government’s Agencies in the skills development echo system in Nigeria.

Dr. Oluwatoyin – Ogun said seven percent formed the population of those with white collar jobs while the remaining ninety three percent are in the Informal sector hence the need for the ITF – NBTE’s collaboration.

According to the Director General of ITF, the move will also go a long way in actualizing the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s led administration in combating unemployment and challenges of industrialization in the country.

The Director General of ITF said the Agency is committed to ensuring skills export towards improving Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Products, GDP and enhancing national economic development.

While commending President Bola Tinubu’s commitment in improving the productivity of Artisans in the country, Dr. Oluwatoyin – Ogun stressed the need for Artisans to take good advantage of Government’s initiatives aimed at bettering their lots and contribute to national economic development.

On his part, the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje said the Board would only regulate skills educational activities in educational institutions such as Polytechnics, Colleges and Technical Institutions while ITF would be responsible for their skills needs after graduation.

He identified most technological breakthrough the world over to the activities of those who acquired informal skills and emphasised the need for more enabling environment that would encourage more participants and Investment in the country’s skills echo sector.

Prof. Bugaje who described skills and vocational training as key to job and wealth creation as well poverty reduction and economic development promised NBTE’s harmonious working relationship with ITF towards developing the country’s skills echo system in line with international best practises.

Mathew Ayoola