Education
ITF Denies Sponsoring Students Abroad
Joel Ajayi
The management of the Industrial Training Fund, ITF has described the purported publication by some Online Newspapers, alleging sponsorship of Nigerian students abroad as the handiwork of mischief makers.
In a statement made available to newsmen, in Abuja on Monday, by the Public Affairs department ITF, they states that
” The attention of the management of the Industrial Training Fund has been drawn to some online publications alleging that the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC as part of its two-day solidarity strike with members of the Academic Staff Union of Nigeria University, ASUU, has listed names of Nigerians and public civil servants and institutions for picketing.
Our initial reactions were to dismiss the purported press statement credited to NLC, but that may further strengthen and serve as a basis for mischief makers who dwell in misleading the public about government policies.”
The statement further explained the mandate of the Industrial Trust Fund
Established in 1971, the Industrial Training Fund has operated consistently and painstakingly within the context of its enabling laws Decree 47 of 1971 as Amended in the 2011 ITF ACT the objective for which the Fund was established has been pursued vigorously and efficaciously. In the four decades of its existence, the ITF has not only raised training consciousness in the economy, but has also helped in generating a corps of skilled indigenous manpower which has been manning and managing various sectors of the national economy.
Over the years, pursuant to its statutory responsibility, the ITF has expanded its structures, developed training programs, and reviewed its strategies, operations, and services in order to meet the expanding, and changing demands for skilled manpower in the economy.
“In line with the mandate the industrial training fund does not sponsor Nigeria students overseas or offer scholarships to foreign students or any Nigeria schooling abroad, rather it collaborates with other supervisory institutions like the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, and the Nigeria University Commission, NUC in the area of Technical and Skill acquisitions that are in line with the mandate and also send their staff overseas to acquire global best practices in skills
“As part of its responsibilities, the ITF provides Direct Training, Vocational and Apprentice Training, Research and Consultancy Service, Reimbursement of up to 50% Training contribution paid by employers of labour registered with it, and administers the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). It also provides human resource development information and training technology service to industry and commerce to enhance their manpower capacity and in-house training delivery effort.
The main thrust of ITF programs and services is to stimulate human performance, improve productivity, and induce value-added production in industry and commerce. Through its SIWES and Vocational and Apprentice Training Programmes, the Fund also builds capacity for graduates and youth self-employment, in the context of Small Scale Industrialization, in the economy.
The Industrial Training Fund is a grade ‘A’ Parastatal operating under the aegis of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. It has been operating for 50 years as a specialist agency that promotes and encourages the acquisition of industrial and
Continued, the Public Affairs Department while appealing to media institutions and practitioners whom he described as partners in progress appealed to the media not to allow it selves to be used to mislead the public.
The management wishes to reemphasize that it does not sponsor students overseas rather it is their staffs that go to study overseas to acquire skills in global best practices, appeal to media practitioners to verify their stories before going to the press,
As an institution the ITF like any other Government Agency, parastatals are open to scrutiny, as a statutory agency whose books are subject to verifications and auditing by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation, OAGoF, and the Auditor General of the Federation, AGoF and budgetary by the National Assembly.
Education
Inclusive Education Boost as Deaf-Tech, Federal University of Lafia Roll Out Master’s in Disability Studies
Joel Ajayi
In a major step toward advancing inclusive education in Nigeria, Deaf-in-Tech, an initiative of Data-Lead Africa, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) to establish a Professional Master’s Degree in Disability Studies.
The signing ceremony, held at Deaf-in-Tech’s headquarters in Abuja, featured a goodwill message from Prof. Adaka Terfa Ahon, Director of the Centre for Disability Studies, who represented FULAFIA’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Abdul Rahman. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to championing disability and inclusion in its academic innovation and planning.
The new Master’s programme will adopt a hybrid learning model, with online classes complemented by in-person sessions at Deaf-in-Tech’s training facility in Abuja. It is designed to build expertise in disability-inclusive governance, education, and development across sectors.
Executive Director of Deaf-in-Tech and Co-Founder of Data-Lead Africa, Dr. Arowolo Ayoola, described the collaboration as a “structural shift” in how institutions and professionals engage with disability issues. “The inclusion journey must begin with knowledge, and we are proud to partner with a progressive university like FULAFIA,” he said.
Beyond the postgraduate programme, the partnership will also establish a Deaf-in-Tech Club on FULAFIA’s campus — the first of its kind — to empower Deaf students with technology skills, mentorship, and innovation opportunities. Additional initiatives include a ₦1 million academic excellence reward for any Deaf student who graduates with a First Class, as well as the development of a disability-accessible website and digital database for the Centre for Disability Studies, built to WCAG 2.1 global accessibility standards.
The alliance underscores both institutions’ commitment to building inclusive systems and celebrating excellence, while positioning Deaf-in-Tech as a catalyst for bridging the gap between disability and the digital economy.
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