From Walter Ukaegbu, Abuja
The Director General/Chief Executive, Industrial Training Fund ITF Sir Joseph Ari has said that the collaboration of the ITF with the German Government under the German Dual Vocational Training (DVT) has resulted to the launch of the framework for the implementation of the National Apprenticeship and Traineeship system that the ITF commenced with Rohde and Schwartz of Germany.
Ari made this disclosure over the weekend during the 3rd Annual Forum for Innovation in African Universities (FIAU) with the theme, ‘Strengthening Africa’s Higher Education in A post COVID-19 World’ jointly organized by FIAU and Rohde and Schwarz, Munchen Germany in collaboration with ITF and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
According to the DG/CEO, ‘In all its over 50 years of existence, the ITF has been at the forefront of innovation in Nigeria. The impact of its effort has transcended the Human Resources Development (HRD) sector with varying degrees of impact on the sectors of the economy including higher Education.’
Ari explained that the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) which emerged out of research by the fund indicated the gap between theories in schools of higher learning and practices in industries is a prime example of one of such innovations.
He further explained that through SIWES students of tertiary institutions of higher learning from Engineering Technology and allied disciplines acquire practical skills in industries before their graduation thereby easing the transition from the classroom to the industry floor.
Speaking about the National Apprenticeship and Traineeship System (NATS) the ITF boss stated that NATS is a globally accepted scheme to optimize apprenticeship and traineeship and to ensure a seamless transition between formal and information education and will inevitably lead to the full adoption of National skill qualification which will greatly enhance interaction between industries and academia.
He revealed that the ITF has made a formal submission to the Federal Government for the establishment of Centres for Advanced Skill Training for Employment (CASTE) in the six geo-political zones which can be used for graduate upskilling and reskilling and the overall capacity development of Nigerians.
The DG commended President Bola Tinubu for showing willingness to reform tertiary education in Nigeria by signing into law the Access to Higher Education Act 2023 otherwise known as the Students Loan Act.
‘This Act will no doubt open up access to loans that will help students to fund their higher education thereby boosting school enrolment, ‘he said.
Paschal Anosike and Klaus Schneider FIAU Founders made the introductory speech during the forum while Mr. Andrew David Adejoh, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education gave the opening address.