The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has denied reports suggesting that its headquarters is being moved from Jos, Plateau State, to another part of Nigeria. The clarification came after a motion was raised in the Plateau State House of Assembly alleging such plans.
Responding to the claim, the Director General and Chief Executive of the ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, assured the people of Plateau that the organization remains fully rooted in Jos.
“You see, ITF is in the heart of every Plateau citizen. They love ITF and we love them. This is just a tiny thing that will not crush the love we have for them and the love they have for us. No matter how they pinch, it will not hurt the relationship between ITF and the good people of Plateau State,” he stated.
Dr. Ogun, who assumed office in October 2023, also highlighted the tasks given to him by President Bola Tinubu, particularly the directive to upgrade Nigerian artisans to international standards.
“When I came in in October 2023, I barely spent a week in office when the president sent a message. He gave me my task. One of the biggest tasks we were given is to upscale Nigeria artisans to international standards. And that’s a super project: Super skill-up artisan program,” he said.
According to him, the president had expressed concern that many Nigerian artisans were unable to carry out simple jobs neatly, such as tiling, plumbing, and plaster of Paris work, while artisans from neighboring countries often came into Nigeria to take these opportunities.
“There are jobs, but are we doing them well? He gave us the task to scale up Nigeria artisans to international standards. And we embarked on this and we are moving,” Dr. Ogun explained.
The ITF boss disclosed that about 40,000 artisans are currently in training under the program. Last year, 29,000 foundation-level artisans completed their training, and another 71,000 practicing artisans have since been added to the program. However, he noted that the lack of adequate training centers that meet international standards has forced the Fund to batch the training process.
He explained that the program goes beyond technical training and also focuses on essential skills such as project management. “For the first time in the history of Nigeria, we are going to have artisans as a member of Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria. The Chartered Institute have developed their curriculum, both for the trained trainer and for the artisans. Because to fix a button on your clothes is a project. You have to use the principle of project management. If we use this principle, we will do it rightly,” he said.
Dr. Ogun further stressed the importance of industrial safety, professional ethics, and patriotism in the training modules.
He pointed out that artisans will be taught to recognize workplace hazards such as exposed wires, water spills, and fire risks, while also learning how to properly use safety equipment. “It’s not just enough to show the official that I have it. You know how to use it. All these things, they will be trained,” he noted.
On the issue of ethics, Dr. Ogun said the ITF is addressing challenges of attitude, character, and behavior among artisans. “That is one of the problems of our artisans. Manners, behavior, their character, their attitude to work and to fellow Nigerians, we are going to do that and we have started that now,” he said, explaining that this phase will run for six to eight weeks before artisans move to technical training.
He also emphasized that the training will be conducted in local languages to accommodate artisans who do not understand English. “Don’t forget, most of our artisans cannot speak English, do not understand English. English is not our father’s language, but they communicate with us,” he explained.
By reiterating ITF’s presence in Plateau and showcasing its ongoing national programs, Dr. Ogun reassured citizens that the Fund remains committed to both the state and Nigeria’s future workforce.