Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, the Director-General/Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has achieved a significant milestone by securing approval for an expanded organizational structure from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation. This approval, obtained just one year into his leadership, marks a transformative step in the ITF’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery across Nigeria’s industrial sector. Dr. Afiz announced this development during an interactive meeting with the Management and staff of the Fund on Friday, October 4, 2024.
The newly approved structure comprises 13 Departments, 4 specialized Units, and 6 Zonal Directorates strategically positioned across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. These Zonal Directorates will oversee ITF Area Offices and Training Centres within their respective regions, acting on behalf of the Director-General. This arrangement is designed to improve oversight, enhance regional service delivery, and streamline ITF operations to better address the nation’s skills development needs. The new structure integrates the existing Area Offices and Industrial/Model Skills Training Centres (ISTC/MSTC), with structural adjustments aimed at optimizing their operations for more effective service delivery.
While announcing the structural changes, the Director General also outlined a series of strategic reforms aimed at further strengthening the ITF’s impact. Among the key areas of focus is the ITF Reimbursement Scheme, which will undergo critical improvements to ensure it becomes more efficient and beneficial for all stakeholders. Additionally, reforms will be implemented in the ITF Apprenticeship Scheme, Performance and Productivity Improvement Training (PPIT), and Training Needs Assessment (TNA) processes, aligning the ITF’s programs with Nigeria’s evolving skills landscape. He also mentioned that ITF Staff Conditions of Service will be reviewed to enhance performance effectiveness, ensuring that staff are motivated and rewarded in line with their contributions.
The Director General further emphasized the ITF’s role in leading sectorial skills development, particularly through the Sector Skills Council (SSC). He recalled that the Council was initially established by the ITF following a National Skills Gap Study conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). However, due to inadequate oversight, the Council was later taken over by another parastatal. He noted that, with the expanded structure, the ITF is now better positioned to reclaim its leadership in the oversight of the Council and refocus its mandate of driving sectorial skills development across the country.
Addressing concerns raised in some quarters about the ITF’s dual role as both a regulator and a provider of training, the Director General firmly dispelled misconceptions that the ITF should not engage in training delivery. “It is not true that the ITF should have no business with training delivery,” he explained. “To regulate effective training delivery, we must have hands-on experience and a deep understanding of what makes training impactful. This is why the ITF operates five Industrial Skill Training Centres across the country, serving as Demonstration Centres, which showcase what an ideal skills development centre should be.”
The Director-General however, issued a strong call for heightened staff commitment in this new era. He emphasized that new performance evaluation measures will ensure accountability, with no room for complacency. “There will be no room for hiding anymore,” he stated. “This structural transformation represents a fresh start, and every member of staff must fully commit to their responsibilities. Performance will be closely monitored, and non-performance will not go unnoticed.”
As the ITF embarks on this new phase of growth, all staff members are encouraged to fully embrace the changes and actively contribute to the organization’s mission of supporting Nigeria’s industrial development through effective training, skills development, and innovation. With the expanded structure and strategic reforms in place, the ITF is poised to deliver on its mandate of building a skilled, competitive workforce for the future.