The Industrial Training Fund, ITF in
collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB have trained 255 youths in technical and vocational skills to tackle the challenges of poverty and unemployment.
The Director-General, ITF, Sir Josph Ari during the graduation of the trainees in Abuja said skills acquisition remains the most viable and sustainable solution to combatting the rising unemployment and poverty in the country.
According to him, “It all began in late 2019 after a visit by the Management of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to the Fund’s Model Skills Training Centre (MSTC), Abuja. The delegation, which was impressed by the quality of equipment at the Centre, opened negotiations with the ITF for the empowerment of 255 unemployed youths with technical vocational skills.”
“Although the 6–month programme was billed to commence in early 2020, it did not start until August 2020 as a result of the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic,” he said.
“In order for the trainees to acquire professional certification, the Model Skills Training Centre, MSTC implemented the programme in collaboration with three professional bodies namely; the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Nigerian Association of Engineering Craftsmen – COREN and CISCO Academy, who equipped them with skills in Industrial Automation and Mechatronics, Instrumentation and Process Control, I.T Essentials/ Comp-TIA A+, Mobile Phone troubleshooting and repairs, Electrical Electronics Technology, Building Technology, Residential Air conditioning, Mechanical Services and, Catering and event Management.”
The ITF boss noted that with the training acquired by the graduates they will no doubt contribute immensely to the development of the national economy.
“I am thrilled to inform you that from this training, our trainees were able to assemble the first indigenous GSM smartphone. As at today, plans are under way to seek collaborations from investors to partner with the ITF to boost this innovation.” Sir Ari said.
The ITF Director general while commending the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for the collaboration and sponsorship of the trainees called on other stakeholders to partner the ITF to conduct similar programmes to empower the teeming youth population with requisite skills.
The representative of the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Mr Simbi Wabote who was represented by the
Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Patrick Obah stated NDCMB has trained over 10000 youths with the understanding that exposing youths in skill acquisition programme will provide the necessary skill required to support activity within the oil and gas sector of the economy.
“One common denominator in the training programme was the infusion of entrepreneurship and the focus on achieving success in making things in Nigeria and achieving international competitiveness,” he said
“To complement the effort and commitment of the trainees the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has provided starter packs for all the trainees which will shorten their path way to self reliance and give them the head start as they embark on this transformational journey of entrepreneurship.”
He called on all the graduates to make use of the training and starter packs given to them to improve the Nigerian economy and to also become employers of labour.
Suzan O
