Nigeria has taken a major step towards strengthening its skills development system following the harmonisation of the mandates of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), approved by the National Council on Skills.

The reform resolves the long-standing overlap in the responsibilities of the two institutions, creating a clearer and more coordinated framework for technical and vocational skills development.

Under the new arrangement, the ITF will lead industry-driven skills development, apprenticeships, artisanship, the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and other competency-based training programmes. The NBTE will continue to regulate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions within the formal education system.

The harmonisation is expected to strengthen collaboration between the two agencies, eliminate duplication of responsibilities and improve the delivery of skills development programmes aligned with industry needs.

Director-General and Chief Executive of the ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, welcomed the reform, reaffirming the Fund’s commitment to expanding access to globally recognised skills certification, deepening strategic partnerships and equipping Nigerian youths and artisans with world-class competencies.

The initiative is expected to support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by building a more competitive workforce, promoting industrial growth and enhancing Nigeria’s economic development.