The Industrial Training Fund, in collaboration with the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association, has graduated 62 trainees of Batch XIV of the ITF-NECA Technical Skills Development Project at the Industrial Skills Training Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Director-General and Chief Executive of ITF, Dr Afiz Ogun, described the event as “another milestone towards generating a pool of indigenous human capital for the Nigerian economy.”

He said, “This occasion marks another milestone in our efforts towards generating indigenous manpower for the Nigerian economy, as mandated by the Act which established ITF.”

Ogun explained that the ITF-NECA Technical Skills Development Project was designed to equip Nigerian youths with employable, industry-relevant skills to address the country’s manpower deficit.

“The ITF-NECA Technical Skills Development Project is a collaborative initiative aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with employable skills to address the country’s manpower needs,” he said.

He commended NECA for sustaining the programme, noting that the partnership demonstrated the impact of public-private collaboration.

“This collaboration stands as a powerful testament to what is possible when the public and private sectors unite with a shared vision. NECA’s understanding of industry needs, commitment to standards and drive for productivity have been indispensable in shaping this programme to be relevant, rigorous and result-orientated,” Ogun said.

Addressing the graduands, the ITF boss urged them to see themselves as agents of change and contributors to national development.

“As you graduate today and anticipate confronting a world of uncertainties, I want you to create the country you want to be part of. Do the best you can and get involved in national development to move Nigeria forward,” he said.

He added, “As ITF-NECA TSDP graduands and ambassadors, it befits you to bring into industry new ideas, innovations and inventions that would transform the nation.”

Ogun also highlighted other skills intervention programmes of the Fund, particularly the Skills-Up Artisans Programme, which he described as a flagship initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s National Talent Export Programme.

“The target of the SUPA programme is to train 10 million Nigerians in two years across major sectors of the economy. I encourage today’s graduands to key into the programme when the portal is reopened,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Training Manager of ISTC, Ikeja, Mr Akeem Salimonu, said the ceremony was not only a celebration of achievement but also “a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience and vision”.

“Through the foresight of ITF and NECA, this project was created to address one of the most pressing challenges of our nation, the gap between the skills of our young people and the demands of modern industries,” Salimonu said.

He noted that the partnership had empowered thousands of youths with employable skills while supporting industrial growth.

“The impact is evident: thousands of young Nigerians have been empowered with employable skills, industries have gained access to competent manpower, and our nation has taken significant strides toward industrial development,” he stated.

Salimonu disclosed that ISTC-Ikeja had participated in the programme since its inception over 15 years ago and was recently commended by NECA for its leadership role in the 2025 implementation of the project.

Giving statistics on the 2025 intake, he said, “Eight hundred and four entries were received, 350 qualified for the examination, and 130 were invited for the final interview, from which 70 trainees were selected.”

He added that 62 trainees met the criteria for graduation and received the ITF-NECA Certificate of Competence.

“I stand proudly here to announce that this year, we are graduating 62 trainees who have met our criteria in skill and character to build the future of our country,” Salimonu said.

According to him, the graduands received training in Automobile Mechanic Maintenance, mechanical maintenance and machining, electrical installation maintenance, welding and fabrication, instrumentation and process control, refrigeration and air conditioning, and information and communication technology.

Salimonu also highlighted female participation in the programme, saying, “Among the graduands, we have women who have proved that technical skills acquisition is not for men alone.”

Delivering the valedictory speech on behalf of the graduands, the Batch XIV representative, Mr Henry Okwonkwo, said the programme equipped them with sustainable skills and real-world experience. Okwonkwo emerged as the best trainee in the welding and fabrication section.

“Today officially marks the grand finale of our six months’ intensive classroom tutoring and hands-on training programme, which has sharpened us to become competent technicians in our various trades,” he said.

He added that the three-month industrial attachment bridged theory and practice.

“The industrial attachment helped us translate classroom and workshop knowledge into real-life experience and imbibed in us the spirit of independence in job creation,” Okwonkwo said.

He expressed gratitude to ITF and NECA for sustaining the programme and supporting the trainees throughout the training: “We enjoyed free tuition, lunch and monthly stipends to support our transportation, as well as assistance in securing industrial attachment and job placement.”

The graduands also thanked their families for their support, saying, “Without your unflinching support and belief in us, we would not be among the celebrants today.”

The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates and a call on the graduands to serve as worthy ambassadors of the ITF-NECA Technical Skills Development Project.