The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has deepened its collaboration with the Embassy of Italy to empower local artisans. This development was marked by a courtesy visit to Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, by the ITF Director-General, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, alongside Iacopo Foti, Acting Head of Mission at the Italian Embassy, and Andrea Perugini, the Commercial Attaché.
Held in Jos, the visit centered on expanding the scope of technical and vocational education across key sectors such as fashion, agriculture, leatherwork, and other trades where Italy has global expertise. Dr. Ogun emphasized the impact of the initiative, saying, “The partnership with Italy is designed to upskill Nigerian artisans, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the national economy and also position them to compete favorably on the global stage.”
Governor Mutfwang welcomed the delegation and expressed strong support for the collaboration, noting that skilled artisans are essential for sustainable economic development. “We are ready to work closely with ITF and our Italian partners to ensure that the youth of Plateau State benefit from this transformational project,” the Governor stated.
The team also visited the ITF Headquarters for further discussions. A key outcome was the adoption of a “Train-the-Trainer” model, which will initially equip selected Nigerian artisans within the country and later provide them advanced training in Italy. These trained artisans will return to Nigeria to train others, expanding access to international-standard skills.
This partnership reflects a growing interest in digital economy jobs, technical education, and high-income trade skills that are vital for national development. By creating more employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, the initiative aligns with efforts to build a globally competitive workforce.
The ITF remains committed to innovative approaches that will drive industrial growth, youth empowerment, and increased productivity through hands-on technical training and global cooperation.