The Industrial Training Fund and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association have called for increased investment in technical training to address youth unemployment.
According to The PUNCH, the organisations disclosed that approximately 90 per cent of graduates from their joint training programme had secured employment or established businesses.
NECA Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde made the disclosure during the eighth ITF-NECA Technical Skills Development Project stakeholders’ dialogue in Abuja on Thursday.
He explained that additional government and private-sector support would help more young Nigerians acquire practical skills and establish sustainable careers.
ITF, NECA highlight success of vocational training
Oyerinde disclosed that the programme, established in 2009, had trained young Nigerians in more than 35 technical and vocational trades.
He added that 84 organisations had participated in the initiative across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“Available project records indicate that approximately 90 per cent of graduates of this project have secured employment or established their own businesses,” he said.
The NECA chief explained that the programme emerged from a survey identifying major gaps between available skills and industrial requirements.
The shortages included welding, mechanical maintenance, automation and electrical engineering skills.
He stressed that Nigeria needed to prepare its workforce for technological changes affecting modern industries.
Organisations seek stronger support for young entrepreneurs
Oyerinde disclosed that NECA had collaborated with Microsoft and the International Organisation of Employers on artificial intelligence training.
According to him, 101,000 young Nigerians registered for the programme, with more than 87,000 receiving certificates.
He urged financial institutions and employers to provide stronger support for vocational training and entrepreneurship.
The Chairman of the ITF Governing Council, Hamma-Adama Ali Kumo, also emphasised the importance of practical skills to industrial development.
Represented by Mercy Oyewole, he urged stakeholders to evaluate training programmes through employment outcomes rather than certificates alone.
Participants further called for increased mentorship, access to equipment and financial assistance for young entrepreneurs.
They maintained that technical education could help reduce unemployment and strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity.
