General News
Stakeholders Back ITF’s Drive to Strengthen Sector Skills Councils
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has designed a process to reposition the Sector Skills Council (SSC) regime towards a more industry-led and sustainable model.
The Director-General of ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, stated this in Abuja at the maiden Stakeholders’ Meeting with existing Sector Skills Councils in Nigeria.
Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun said the objective was not simply to create another institutional structure, but to develop a system in which industry defines skills needs, provides meaningful leadership, contributes to the development of occupational standards and curricula, supports workplace learning, and participates actively in ensuring that training outcomes translate into productivity and economic value.
“This means that the success of the SSC system should not depend principally on government intervention or funding. Industry ownership and participation must be at the centre of the model,” he said.
In his words, “I particularly appreciate your presence because today’s meeting represents an important step in our collective effort to strengthen the architecture through which Nigeria anticipates, develops and applies the skills required for sustainable economic growth and industrial development.”
“Let me state clearly that the Sector Skills Councils occupy an important place in this conversation and the establishment of sector-focused mechanisms for identifying skills needs, articulating industry requirements and supporting stronger linkages between skills development and the economy reflects an important recognition: skills development cannot be designed effectively without the active participation of industry,” the ITF boss explained.
According to him, the global economy is changing rapidly and Nigeria is not left out. Technology is transforming occupations, industries are adopting new production systems, business models are changing, and new occupations are emerging while the requirements of existing occupations are evolving.
“At the same time, employers increasingly require skills that are relevant, current and responsive to workplace realities. Therefore, this presents us with a fundamental question: Are existing Sector Skills Councils sufficiently positioned to provide the industry leadership, ownership, responsiveness and sustainability that the emerging skills ecosystem requires?”
“This is the question that brings us together today.
Therefore, I encourage you to participate openly and constructively in today’s discussions.
“As we proceed through the sessions, let us examine where we are, what lessons can be learned, what needs greater attention, and what opportunities exist for strengthening the SSC system.
“We should also keep in view the larger objective: a skills system that is closely connected to industry and capable of contributing to productivity, employability and national economic development.
“Today’s meeting is the beginning of a process.
“We do not need to resolve every issue today. The objective at the end of this engagement is not simply to have had a successful meeting.
“We should leave with greater clarity about the current position, a shared understanding of the direction of reform, and practical next steps for the transition process.
“The Industrial Training Fund remains committed to providing the leadership and technical support required to facilitate this process.
“But the ultimate success of the Sector Skills Council regime will depend on shared ownership, genuine industry leadership and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I once again welcome you to this important engagement and invite you to engage fully in the discussions ahead.”
In a remark, the Chairman of Chairmen, Sector Skills Council, Dr. Ahmed Bolaji Nagide, commended the Industrial Training Fund for organising the stakeholders’ meeting, noting that the move would go a long way in enhancing skills development in the country.
“This meeting is a historic and epoch-making event and the template which we have collectively agreed upon in this meeting, when articulated and implemented, would bridge the skills gap needs and boost industrial growth as well as national economic development,” he stated.
Dr. Ahmed Bolaji Nagode, who is also the Director-General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, described a vibrant, efficient and effective Sector Skills Council as key to actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s-led administration in the area of economic growth.
He also called for more public-private sector collaboration on skills development in the country.
On his part, the President, Sector Skills Council, Building, Dr. Samson Opaoluwah, who also commended the ITF for the stakeholders’ meeting, said the event would serve as a transition towards ensuring a better and productive Sector Skills Council for the country.
Dr. Samson Opaoluwah therefore enjoined participants at the meeting to effectively support ITF’s quest towards repositioning the sector for optimal performance.