News
ITF Unveils 2022 – 2025 Strategic Policy Direction For Vocational Skills Program
The Industrial Training Fund formally unveil our strategic policy direction for 2022 – 2025.
This is contained in a statement issued to Journalists by the Director-general/Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund, Sir Joseph Ari, at a media briefing in Jos, Monday. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
According to the ITF Boss, “This Strategic Policy Direction is the third of such plans by the incumbent administration in the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). You will recall that on assumption of office in 2016, we unveiled the ITF Reviewed Vision: Strategies for Mandate Actualization.”
“The plan, which was initially slated to terminate in 2022, was, however, reviewed in 2020 to address gaps that were identified in the course of its implementation, and for us to appropriately respond to the negative impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on our numerous clients.”
He reiterated that, ”While it lasted, the plan enabled the ITF to aggressively address service challenges by computerizing our operations, tackling infrastructural challenges to expand access to Nigerians desirous of acquiring skills, and generally address a gamut of other strictures that were impinging on our ability to effectively discharge our mandate for National economic growth and development and the general good of the Nigerian people.”
He however, lamented that, “Despite the numerous achievements recorded by the Fund on account of these initiatives, we have realized that more needs to be done if we must fully tackle the numerous socio-economic problems that are bedevilling us as a Nation.”
He further stated that, “given the nature of your profession, you should be acutely aware that unemployment in Nigeria today is at over 33% as over 23 million Nigerians that are desirous to work cannot find jobs, mostly because of the absence of requisite skills.
“Poverty is equally on the rise with some estimates placing the number of Nigerians that are living in poverty to be over 90 million. In the face of all these, our population has continued to soar with the World Bank estimating that Nigeria might hit 216 million by the end of this year.
“Equally worrisome is the spectre of the Out of School Children, which according to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) is projected to be over 18.5 million.”
“It is based on the above and in line with our mandate of Developing a vast pool of skilled manpower sufficient to meet the needs of the public and private sectors of the national economy coupled with resolutions at the recently concluded ITF National Skills Summit in Abuja that we found it imperative to review and refocus our strategies to address the above challenges and to meet the skills requirement of the nation in line with global best practices.
“In arriving at our strategies, we considered the need to scale up our activities to address the soaring unemployment and other socio-economic challenges by leveraging on our three Es (Experience, Expertise and Expansive network), deployment of technology for wider coverage and more flexible service delivery.”, Ari explained.
The new policy framework, which has as its theme: Re-Engineering Skills for Sustainable Development according to Ari, has external and internal components;
The ITF Boss further said that, “The internal components of the plan, which entail 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 (STCs) and Vocational Wings (VWs). ”
According to him, he further revealed that, ”Standardization and Certification as the core aspects of the Mandate of the Industrial Training Fund, specifically, Section 2 subsections c and d of the ITF Act 2011, vest the ITF with the responsibility to set training standards in all sectors of the economy and monitor adherence; and evaluate and certify vocational skills acquired by apprentices, craftsmen and technicians in collaboration with relevant organisations.
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.”
To actualise this, he said that, “the Fund will develop National Occupational Standards (NOS); Evaluate and certify apprentices, technicians and craftsmen; Train and certify learning and development professionals and; Create and maintain a data bank on skills training.”
Another key area of the Fund’s mandate, the ITF Boss said, “is the Technical and Vocational Skills programmes.
”Despite our commendable achievements in this regard, 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 (NATS).
”To actualize this, the Fund will collaborate with relevant public and private stakeholders for NATS; appraise and harmonize Apprenticeship programmes in line with set guidelines; conduct monitoring and evaluation and; design and develop technical and vocational skills programmes in line with the needs of the economy.
Saying that, “When fully in place, our plan will ensure a pool of highly skilled indigenous apprentices, technicians and craftsmen as well as an institutionalized National Apprenticeship and Traineeship System (NATS). ”
”Cognisant of the fact that technical skills are integral to the growth and development of societies across the globe, the incumbent management since its assumption of office in 2016, has been committed to equipping Nigerians with technical and vocational skills for employability and entrepreneurship.
”In this regard, to further address the problems of rising unemployment and under-employment, the Fund is re-engineering its skills intervention programmes through National Apprenticeship and Traineeship System (NATS).
”To achieve this, the Fund will register as a super certification centre; extend the duration of skills intervention programmes in line with NATS (six months for traineeship and one year for apprenticeship); procure and provide start-up packs for trainees in the succeeding year; design and develop skills intervention programmes; identify and engage accredited Skills Training Centres and certified craftsmen; implement, monitor and follow up intervention programmes and; evaluate and certify trainees.
“The intended outcome of this strategy is to have at least a total of 27,000 skilled and employable youths (18,000 trained youths under the NATS and 9,000 youth under the NISDP and other intervention programmes) and increased SMEs and Entrepreneurs to meet the Nation’s economic needs.”
“In this area, the Fund will provide the enabling environment to foster creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and employability through its skills training centres by:
“Upgrading three of its skills training centres to Centres for Advanced Skills Training for Employment (CASTE)
“Embedding production Hubs, Skills/e-Hubs as well as creative and innovative hubs in its Skills training Centres and Vocational wings and,
“Utilizing existing skills training Centres to develop the capacity of technical instructors.
“In this regard, the Fund will equip Training Centres with state-of-the-art facilities, partner with relevant stakeholders for training placement as well as identify the competitive advantage of the centres for production purposes. We will also introduce instructors’ training in three (3) designated Skills Training Centres, advertise and deploy the Centre’s facilities and equipment for commercial use, engage trainees in the design and development of products and establish creative and innovative clinics. In addition, it will develop entrepreneurs and rename all Industrial Skills Training Centres as ITF Skills Training Centres (ITF STCs).
“With this strategy, we will now have three (3) Centres for Advanced Skills Training for Employment (CASTE) in Lagos, Kano and Jos as well as well-equipped training centres and vocational wings; train 450 Instructors annually; maximize investment and improve our revenue base.
“We believe that the new Policy framework if fully implemented will place us in better stead to fully implement our mandate and drive the achievement of Federal Government’s goals with particular reference to unemployment, poverty and their associated consequences.
“Our belief is premised on the fact that countries all over the world that had dealt with and have successfully solved the problems that we are currently confronting today, did it through a greater commitment to skills acquisition.
“For instance, to handle its youth bulge in the 70s and 80s, China under the leadership of Mao Zedong, Hua Guofeng and Zhao Ziyang who ruled the country during that period, invested heavily in the capacity development of its people. The outcome of this investment is evident today as China has moved from near third world to the 2nd largest economy and one of the most industrialised countries on earth.
“In Germany, about two decades ago, there was mass unemployment with roughly five million unemployed people and low employment rates to the extent that it was labelled “the sick man in Europe”.
“Today, nearly two-thirds of young Germans are enrolled in apprenticeships once they leave full-time education using the German Dual Vocational and educational training (DVT), nine out of ten young trainees get a permanent job at the end, with others being offered shorter-term contracts.
“Germany is now dubbed a job wonderland and European champion with regard to its high employment rates. We believe that we can replicate similar successes in Nigeria giving greater commitment to skills acquisition that is considered by many today as the currency of the 21st Century.”
Author Profile
Latest entries
ICTDecember 2, 2025Kogi First Lady Calls For Responsible Use Of ICT
NewsDecember 1, 2025President Tinubu Extols Late Prince Abubakar Audu’s Legacies
PoliticsDecember 1, 2025Ataoja’s Open Declaration Of Support For Aregbesola And ADC Rattles Opposition Camps In Osun
PoliticsDecember 1, 2025Awolowo’s Love And Abiola’s Organic Followership Reincarnate In Aregbesola’s Tour Of Osun
News
President Tinubu Extols Late Prince Abubakar Audu’s Legacies
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described late Prince Abubakar Audu as a “friend, ally, and trailblazer of democracy declaring that his foot-print in Kogi state as former Governor remains the best since the creation of the state.
adsbygoogle || []).push({});
com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The President gave the commendation while speaking at the 10th Memorial Anniversary and Book Presentation organised by the state government in collaboration with the immediate family in honour of the late political ICON
Tinubu who was represented by the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, lauded late Prince Audu’s commitment to democratic ideals and the development of Kogi State.
President Tinubu noted that Prince Audu’s leadership was marked by courage, vision, and dedication to the prosperity and security of his people, calling his legacy “a living template for good governance” that continues to inspire leaders across the nation.
The event drew political leaders, statesmen, and dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the representation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to commemorate a decade since the passing of the iconic leader whose vision and leadership continue to influence the political and developmental trajectory of Kogi State.
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, son of the late statesman, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing his father’s legacy.
He described the memorial as a solemn reminder of the enduring influence Prince Audu holds in the hearts of the people and the continued relevance of his contributions to the growth of Kogi State.
The Minister recalled his father’s visionary leadership, foundational reforms, and passion for public service, noting that successive administrations still draw from the structures and institutions he established.
Prince Shuaibu Audu highlighted his ongoing efforts to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company and strengthen Nigeria’s steel sector as a continuation of his father’s dream for industrial and economic development in Kogi State.
He thanked all partners and stakeholders supporting these initiatives, reiterating that the collective aspiration for a stronger Kogi State and a more prosperous Nigeria is rooted in his father’s enduring vision.
The Minister also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his continuous support to the Audu family.
He also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, who attended the event. He described Senator Akume as a friend and colleague of his late father from the class of 1999 governors, acknowledging his role in supporting and honouring Prince Audu’s memory.
He further commended the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and members of the State Executive Council for hosting the memorial as a state event, noting that it reflects the enduring respect Kogi State holds for Prince Audu.
He also acknowledged former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, Capt. Idris Wada, and Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke for their continued dedication to preserving his father’s legacy, describing their presence as a testament to the late leader’s far-reaching impact.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Chief Host of the event, described Prince Audu as a visionary leader whose transformative governance continues to shape Kogi State.
In a symbolic tribute, he announced the renaming of a major township road as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard, directing relevant agencies to install signage, repair roads, install streetlights, and beautify the area. The Governor emphasised that these measures are part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to uphold Prince Audu’s ideals of unity, progress, and service to the people.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume CON said that the late Prince Abubakar Audu was marked as an icon of development and great vision, noting his contribution to the development of Benue State in the time he served in Benue State.
He described him as a man who was genuinely loved by his people as one of the first Nigerians that won in a free, fair and credible elections.
The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello urged everyone to reflect on the life and times of the late former governor who was a revolutionary and served with all sincerity, who while in office took bold steps that have continued to impact positively of the people of Kogi State and Nigeria even long after his demise.
The memorial also featured the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation, alongside a lecture and book review of “Prince Abubakar Audu: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership”, reviewed by former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN.
Other dignitaries present included former Governors Capt. Idris Wada and Yahaya Adoza Bello, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, and numerous political and community leaders who paid tribute to the late statesman.
The 10th memorial celebration served as both a solemn remembrance and a reaffirmation of the enduring impact of Prince Abubakar Audu’s leadership, inspiring current and future generations to continue the work of unity, progress, and transformative governance in Kogi State.
Author Profile
Latest entries
ICTDecember 2, 2025Kogi First Lady Calls For Responsible Use Of ICTNewsDecember 1, 2025President Tinubu Extols Late Prince Abubakar Audu’s LegaciesPoliticsDecember 1, 2025Ataoja’s Open Declaration Of Support For Aregbesola And ADC Rattles Opposition Camps In OsunPoliticsDecember 1, 2025Awolowo’s Love And Abiola’s Organic Followership Reincarnate In Aregbesola’s Tour Of Osun
News
Apo/Karshi road: FCTA tarminates contract over incompetence
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, revealed on Thursday, said it has terminated Apo/Karshi road over incompetence and the contract have already been reawarded to another contractor.
adsbygoogle || []).push({});
js">
The project was re – awarded under emergency project and will be flagged off by the FCT Minster soon.
Wike revealed this when he inspected Karu , OSEX and Kishiri road , Abuja.
It would be recalled that, the Apo-Karshi road contract was awarded in 2011. The project was given to M/S Kakatar Nig. Ltd by the administration at the time and was initially expected to be completed within 20 months.
And due to the inability of M/S Kakatar Nig. Ltd, to be able to do the project, the administration terminated the contract and awarded it to SCC contractor.
According to Wike, “Let me tell you the truth, we have terminated that contract; it has been reawarded to SCC. If you go there now, you will see that they have started work. It is a road that so many people are very interested in because it will decongest some of these areas. So that’s why we should do it, and like I said, we cannot continue to play politics when it comes to the welfare of the people. That road has been terminated.
“And the road leading from Kubwa to Bwari has also started, so that there will be an alternative route to Bwari. That’s also awarded to SCC. So, we can assure you that things are moving very well according to plan”.
Speaking on Karu, Gishiri, and OSEX, he said, “Well, I have always said, what makes the government feel relaxed is when the people are happy. Of course, the very essence of governance is to make people be happy and make them have what improves their lives. When we went to Karu, you remember the first time we went to Karu to flag off, it was one road. And there, I made a promise that all the other connecting roads would be included.
“I am very happy to report the progress on the job. The contractor is doing very well. And that shows this is one of the projects we are going to line up for the 3rd anniversary of Mr President. I am quite impressed. And those houses that blocked the water channel, we are going to bring them down, to enable water to have its own way.
“And then we went to Gishiri, and you see the level of work being done by CGC. All those roads that were done by them, which were inaugurated by Mr President sometime in June this year, and that project also will be inaugurated on the 3rd anniversary of Mr President. Now we are in OSEX. This leads you from Apo to Wassa. And it’s also part of the road by the grace of God, certainly will be inaugurated in his 3rd year in office.
“So, you can see the happiness of everybody. And that’s what shows that the Renewed Hope Agenda is really working. People had never seen this type of development in Abuja before. And that is why you can imagine when we were at Karu, just mere coming down, see how the students were very happy. As we went to Girishi, look at how the pupils there are all very happy. And so, it makes us happy too”.
On the woman in Karu that built on water channel, that the FCT Minister promised some compensation, the Minister said, yes, the woman did the wrong thing and her property must go down or this can cause flooding later.
“You cannot do something to block the water channels, and we are even sympathetic by saying that we were going to give you money, but we must allow the water to have its way, because if not, it will cause a lot of flooding. That will also not be good for the people living around there. So sometimes we should not be emotional. She’s crying.
“She did the wrong thing. she caused the problem. But we are giving the human face by saying, okay, we’ll give you some funds so that yiu can find an alternative. Ordinarily, we don’t need to have done that. What she has done was to violate the building regulation”, he said.
For 2026, Wike, said Abuja residents should expect more infrastural development that will lift the lives of the people, that will improve the economic activities.
“We have started procurement around all our health centres. So next year, we believe that what you see in 2025 will be nothing to compare to what we’ll see in 2026. And I must tell you the truth, in 2026, we are not likely to put any new projects.
“We want to make sure that the projects we have started this year will be completed in 2026. Those projects will come in the 2026 budget. Mind you, that year appears to be a political year. So, you don’t expect to start projects that you may not be able to finish within the period that you’re appointed to stay. So, we want to make sure all projects we have started, by the grace of God, were completed”, he noted.
Author Profile
Latest entries
ICTDecember 2, 2025Kogi First Lady Calls For Responsible Use Of ICTNewsDecember 1, 2025President Tinubu Extols Late Prince Abubakar Audu’s LegaciesPoliticsDecember 1, 2025Ataoja’s Open Declaration Of Support For Aregbesola And ADC Rattles Opposition Camps In OsunPoliticsDecember 1, 2025Awolowo’s Love And Abiola’s Organic Followership Reincarnate In Aregbesola’s Tour Of Osun
News
NDLEA Stumbles in Asset Declaration Case Against Abba Kyari as Cross-Examination Ends in Confusion
By Our Correspindent
The NDLEA on Wednesday suffered a major setback in its asset-declaration case against Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari at the Federal High Court, Abuja, after the cross-examination of the first respondent ended with little progress and several moments of courtroom tension.
adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The case, instituted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alleges that Kyari failed to declare his assets. However, during cross-examination, the prosecution — led by counsel Sunday Joseph —unsuccessfully struggled to establish inconsistencies in Kyari’s statements, especially regarding inheritance and property ownership.
At the previous sitting, Joseph attempted to compel Kyari to admit that all properties left by his late father were exclusively his. Kyari firmly corrected the claim, explaining that the properties belonged to the entire family and would be shared among his 29 siblings whenever the family decided to do so.
Kyari also reiterated to the court that he declared all his assets and bank accounts, insisting that over 90% of the properties the NDLEA claimed belonged to him were completely false. He stated that the legitimate owners of those properties had already come forward, tendered their documents in court, and exposed NDLEA’s media-trial narratives as fabricated.
He further informed the court that all his bank account statements are before the court, showing that he has less than ₦4 million combined across all his accounts — accounts which NDLEA has blocked for more than three years. Kyari emphasized that not a single kobo in any of his accounts has ever been linked to any criminal activity despite NDLEA’s public allegations.
> “My late father left over 20 houses for his children in Maiduguri. About four were sold to cater for his medical treatment,” Kyari told the court.
Attempts by the prosecution to shift their questioning toward unrelated matters were swiftly rejected by Justice Omotosho, who cautioned the NDLEA counsel against straying into irrelevant territory.
> “I won’t allow that. This case has nothing to do with cocaine. This is strictly about alleged non-declaration of assets. You cannot come here and ask irrelevant questions,” the judge warned.
“If you waste your allotted time, I will end your case. Stick to what is before the court.”
Tension rose again when Joseph made what the court described as a “parable,” prompting an even sterner warning from Justice Omotosho.
> “Be careful. Do not come here and impugn this holy temple. What do you mean by that? Are you trying to teach the court its job? It appears you are not ready,” the visibly irritated judge stated.
During Wednesday’s resumed hearing, the prosecution presented a police document and repeatedly asked Kyari to refer to specific pages, causing confusion in court.
“Page 20?” Joseph asked.
Kyari responded, “Page 20 contains details of drug suspects arrested by the Police and the transfer of suspects and exhibits to NDLEA.”
On page 19, Kyari again clarified that it contained similar arrests of the drug suspects by the Police IRT and handover NDLEA — none related to the asset-declaration charge.
Justice Omotosho later allowed the prosecution more time to verify the document.
Kyari then pointed out that the document being relied upon was merely an interim police report, stressing that a final and superior police report is available and contradicts the three-year-old interim version.
Kyari also detailed several false claims the NDLEA had made against him, including publicly alleging that he owned the Borno State Government polo ground — a property belonging to the state government long before he was born. He reminded the court that NDLEA also filed false statements in the Federal High Court, Maiduguri, claiming he confessed to owning properties belonging to innocent Nigerians. Those real property owners, armed with their documents, have since filed cases against NDLEA.
After these exchanges, the NDLEA counsel abruptly announced that he had no further questions, surprising both the court and observers. Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), counsel for the defence, also confirmed he had no additional cross-examination.
The matter has been adjourned for the filing and adoption of final written addresses, after which judgment will be delivered.
Author Profile
Latest entries
ICTDecember 2, 2025Kogi First Lady Calls For Responsible Use Of ICTNewsDecember 1, 2025President Tinubu Extols Late Prince Abubakar Audu’s LegaciesPoliticsDecember 1, 2025Ataoja’s Open Declaration Of Support For Aregbesola And ADC Rattles Opposition Camps In OsunPoliticsDecember 1, 2025Awolowo’s Love And Abiola’s Organic Followership Reincarnate In Aregbesola’s Tour Of Osun