Nigeria’s Industrial Training Fund launches new policy framework

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has launched a new policy framework aimed at addressing unemployment and other socio-economic challenges in the country.

The Director-General of the Fund, Mr Joseph Ari stated this during a media briefing on the ITF Strategic Policy Direction 2022-2025 in Jos, Plateau state, North Central Nigeria.

He said the new policy framework with the theme ‘Re-Engineering Skills for Sustainable Development has external and internal components.

According to him, “The internal components of the plan, which entails value reorientation, Industrial Development, Commercialization of ITF Facilities, Alternative Funding Window, Deployment and Promotion, Annual Budget Preparation and, Revenue Generation are intended to drive the external components of the new policy direction, which covers Standardization and Certification, Technical and Vocational Skills Training Programmes, Skills Intervention Programmes, Electronic and Virtual Learning and, Optimal Utilization of Skills Training Centres and Vocational Wings”.

The Director-General mentioned some of the policies to include; Standardization and Certification, Technical and Vocational Skills Programmes, Skills Intervention Programmes, Electronic and Virtual Learning and Optimal Utilisation of Skills Training Centres and Vocational Skills.

“Standardization and Certification are core aspects of the mandate of the Industrial Training Fund. In this area, the Fund will focus on ensuring full adherence to standards and regulating vocational skills training outfits through the accreditation of skills training centres and certification of all skills training in line with the Act.” Mr Ari said.

“Another key area of the Fund’s mandate is the Technical and Vocational Skills programmes. The Fund is set to refocus Technical and Vocational Skills Training for employability and economic growth by facilitating the institutionalization of the National Apprenticeship and Traineeship System.”

“Through electronic and virtual learning platforms, the Fund will develop and deploy appropriate learning content; coordinate all electronic and virtual learning programmes; monitor and evaluate the implementation of all electronic and virtual learning programmes and; provide and deploy appropriate collaborative tools.” The ITF Boss added.

Mr Ari stated that if fully implemented, the new Policy framework would end unemployment and boost the nation’s economy. (VON)