*Fund commences Model School Skill Academy September
The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Ogun Oluwatoyin has urged it’s trainers handling the artisans at its Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) programme at various centers in Jos the Plateau State capital to inculcate local languages as well as pidgin English in their training programmes in order to enhance comprehensive understanding by the trainees.
The DG gave the charge yesterday when he went round the fund’s training centers across Jos, as well as the new Model School Skill Academy that will commence operation this September.
Speaking at the Model School Skill Academy, the DG explained that the school is commencing with JSS1 and SS1, and the trade/skills include tailoring and fashion, embroidery, both manual and lieser welding, culinary and Information Technology.
“Our students will spend two years, and after that they will write international examinations and they will be certify internationally, they will be given certificates and then can practice anywhere.
“This will enable them to incubate businesses and be self-reliant before going into the universities, and many of them can sponsor themselves throughout the university programmes.
“We are also going to train them on entrepreneurship, and will extend the training to their parents as well, that are parents that are willing to learn. We will assist them and monitor what they are doing.
“So as you are preparing for the September resumption of the students to commence the dual system, they should all know that the training in skill is as important as formal education.
“We have industrial machines and monograms for their trainings. If you go to China for instance, you see those children beginning their training in skill at the very young age, that is what want to imbibe here for human and national development. All these training programmes are free of charge,” he said.
With respect to the other artisans training programmes at the other centers visited, he said the skills acquisition training will boost job creation and bridge Nigeria’s technical skills gap by empowering artisans with contemporary, industry-relevant training, adding that it covers trade such as plumbing, electrical installation, masonry, auto mechanics, welding, carpentry, tiling, air-conditioning repair, among others.
He then called on the trainers to inculcate the local languages in training the artisans for easy comprehension and quality learning, like Hausa, pigin English and any other applicable local language that will enhance their understanding.
According to Dr. Oluwatoyin, China deploys their local language in their trainings without bother about any western language, adding that the trainees will be equipped with both the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive economy and internationally.