ITF and NECA Advocate for Increased Funding in Education

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) have urged for enhanced government and private sector funding in technical and vocational education to address youth unemployment. At the eighth edition of the ITF-NECA Technical Skills Development Project stakeholders’ dialogue forum held in Abuja, NECA's Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, reported that approximately 90% of graduates from their joint training program have secured employment or started their own businesses.

The initiative, which commenced in 2009, has trained young Nigerians in over 35 technical and vocational trades with participation from 84 organizations. Oyerinde emphasized the need for financial support and industry engagement to help young Nigerians translate technical skills into sustainable livelihoods.

He also mentioned a collaboration with the International Organisation of Employers and Microsoft, which registered 101,000 young Nigerians for an artificial intelligence training program, resulting in over 87,000 certificates awarded. Hamma-Adama Ali Kumo, Chairman of the ITF Governing Council, highlighted the importance of technical skills in enhancing productivity and reducing reliance on imported expertise.