In a groundbreaking endeavour to fortify Nigeria’s skilled labour sector, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has taken proactive measures by establishing a dedicated steering committee for the execution of the National Artisan Registration and Development Council (NARDEP).
Director-general of ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, disclosed this significant initiative at the conclusion of the agency’s 2023 National Industrial Skills Development Programme in Abuja.
Illustrating ITF’s unwavering commitment to align with the objectives set by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI) for NARDEP, the newly-established committee shoulders a comprehensive mission. Its primary responsibility is to craft a robust framework to ensure the effective implementation of NARDEP.
The committee is tasked with addressing pivotal aspects, including the identification, categorisation, and heightened awareness among artisans regarding registration and licensing procedures.
In addition also, it will develop cutting-edge digital platforms for artisan registration and monitoring. A critical focus is on establishing a learning management system to guarantee the continuous and mandatory professional development of artisans. Additionally, the committee will play a pivotal role in establishing essential linkages for both local and international certifications for artisans.
Expanding beyond administrative functions, the committee’s scope includes practical considerations such as identifying necessary tools for facilitating artisan registration. Emphasising collaborative efforts with brownfield training centers for skills upgrading, the committee is further charged with identifying dominant and employable trade areas in each local government across the federation.
A critical aspect of its mandate is creating a robust framework for enforcing nationwide artisans’ licensing and certification.
Dr. Afiz reiterated ITF’s unwavering belief that the successful implementation of NARDEP will not only drive the National Automotive Technical Development Programme (NATEP) but will also yield high-caliber artisans capable of surpassing their international counterparts. This strategic initiative aims to bridge the existing technical skills gap within Nigeria, positioning local artisans to excel in a fiercely competitive global market.
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