The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has announced plans to export highly skilled Nigerian youths under 35 years to global markets after equipping them with internationally recognised certifications.
Director General of ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, disclosed this during an inspection of trainees writing exams at the Larne Shittu Motors Training Centre in Abuja. He explained that graduates of the programme will be certified by the federal government, making their skills globally competitive and verifiable.
According to him, ITF is working in partnership with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to connect trainees with international opportunities. "NACCIMA has links with global partners through trade fairs, and this gives us access to countries that need specific skill sets. Through this, we can export talents to fill those gaps," he said.
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Dr. Ogun highlighted that ITF is also investing in training artisans in leatherworks, fabrics, and finishing, to raise their standards to meet international requirements. He added that the partnership with the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) ensures trainees undergo professional examinations, especially in project management, safety, and entrepreneurship.
"Training without assessment achieves little. The examinations allow us to measure how skilled these youths are, preparing them for both local and international markets. We are raising our artisans to global standards," he stated.
Currently, 30,000 youths are taking part in the first batch of the programme, while over 100,000 have expressed interest. Those unable to meet international standards are being supported under ITF's "Skill-Up" initiative.
Ogun also encouraged Nigerians to invest in skills acquisition centres rather than just schools, stressing that ITF and the government are willing to support such centres by funding trainee education.
Registrar of CIPMN, Henry Mbadiwe, added that project management training will help participants realign their skills, improve efficiency, and strengthen their business focus — a critical boost for SMEs and startups across the country.
