The Industrial Training Fund has renewed its pledge to equip Nigeria’s technical workforce with skills relevant to modern industry, as part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The move is expected to help address the country’s youth unemployment challenges and bridge the widening digital skills gap affecting many young people.
During a recent visit to the Lanre Shittu Motor Assembly plant in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, ITF Director-General Dr. Afiz Ogun restated the organisation’s mission of driving national development through skills acquisition and improved technical capacity. He revealed that the Fund is finalising a business incubation scheme designed to help trainees start their own ventures after completing their training, extending support beyond traditional job placement.
Ogun also highlighted the Skills Upgrading and Professional Advancement programme launched under President Bola Tinubu’s administration through ITF, describing it as a key mechanism for developing a more competitive workforce. According to him, “SUPA goes beyond just providing starter packs. We discovered that giving starter packs is not enough; at the end of it, it’s like going back to square one. The programme focuses on retraining, retooling, and certifying Nigerian artisans to meet international standards, enabling them to compete both locally and globally.”
To improve the quality of technical training, ITF is partnering with industry players such as Lanre Shittu Motors to procure modern equipment that meets industry standards. Ogun commended the company for its existing training efforts, noting that the collaboration reflects ITF’s broader commitment to bridging the national skills gap and driving economic growth.
The Managing Director and CEO of LSM, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, applauded President Tinubu’s initiatives aimed at energising the nation’s automotive industry. He affirmed the company’s dedication to supporting local automotive development, particularly through training technicians and supplying them with modern tools.
“We have established three training centres across three states for technicians passionate about automotive development. The centres are fully equipped, and trainees are well prepared. After training, we deploy them to service our customers nationwide, ensuring they are employed, accommodated, and paid well,” Shittu said.
He added that the collaboration with ITF represents a long-awaited milestone for the company and expressed gratitude to the Fund for supporting efforts to empower Nigeria’s automotive workforce.
