By Chinedu Okorie, African Business Correspondent
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), in partnership with the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), has graduated 62 trainees under Batch XIV of the ITF-NECA Technical Skills Development Project at the Industrial Skills Training Centre (ISTC), Ikeja, Lagos.
At the ceremony, ITF Director-General, Dr Afiz Ogun, described the milestone as a significant step in building indigenous human capital for Nigeria’s economy. He emphasized that the initiative was designed to equip young Nigerians with employable, industry-relevant skills to bridge the nation’s manpower deficit.
“This collaboration stands as a powerful testament to what is possible when the public and private sectors unite with a shared vision,” Ogun said, commending NECA for sustaining the programme.
He urged the graduands to see themselves as agents of change, contributing to national development through innovation and industry-driven solutions. Ogun also highlighted the Fund’s flagship Skills-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), which aims to train 10 million Nigerians in two years across key sectors of the economy.
Training Manager of ISTC, Mr Akeem Salimonu, described the graduation as a celebration of resilience and collaboration. He noted that the ITF-NECA partnership had empowered thousands of youths with employable skills while supporting industrial growth.
Providing statistics on the 2025 intake, Salimonu revealed that 804 entries were received, 350 qualified for the examination, and 130 were shortlisted for interviews. Of these, 70 trainees were selected, with 62 meeting the criteria for graduation.
The graduates received certificates of competence in diverse fields including automobile mechanic maintenance, electrical installation, welding and fabrication, refrigeration and air conditioning, ICT, and instrumentation. Salimonu also praised the participation of women, noting that the programme had demonstrated that technical skills acquisition is not limited to men.
Delivering the valedictory speech, Batch XIV representative, Mr Henry Okwonkwo—who emerged best trainee in welding and fabrication—said the programme provided sustainable skills and real-world experience. He expressed gratitude to ITF and NECA for offering free tuition, stipends, and job placement support.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and a call for the graduates to serve as ambassadors of the ITF-NECA Technical Skills Development Project, driving innovation and industrial growth across Nigeria.
