The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has hosted a sensitization meeting aimed at promoting the establishment of Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) in key sectors of Nigeria’s economy. This initiative is part of ITF’s ongoing efforts to address the country’s critical manpower shortages.
The move follows findings from the 2016 ITF-UNIDO Skills Gap Assessment, which identified significant gaps in six major sectors.
To respond, the ITF has previously organized two National Skills Summits and introduced the National Apprenticeship and Traineeship System (NATS), designed to provide Nigerians with practical, industry-ready skills.
Speaking during the meeting, the Director-General of the ITF stated, “We are committed to collaborating with government agencies, academic institutions, the private sector, and professional associations to bridge skills gaps and boost Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness.”
As part of its SUPA Programme, the ITF is currently working with stakeholders in Fashion Design, Leather Work, and the Agric & Agro-Allied sectors. The goal is to develop National Occupational Standards (NOS), align training curricula with industry demands, and establish functional SSCs that will drive job creation and sustainable skills development.
This effort highlights ITF’s focus on workforce development, skills training, and economic empowerment to meet the country’s future employment needs.
In other news, UNFPA is calling on Nigerians to apply for Director Role in Nairobi.