By Godfrey AKON
The Industrial Training Fund, ITF, says it has commenced efforts to convert its existing skills training centres, STC, located in Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Abuja, Plateau and vocational wings attached to its area offices to hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship, e-Hubs.
Director-General of ITF, Sir Joseph Ari, who disclosed this at the 3rd Annual Forum for Innovation in African Universities, FIAU, on Friday in Abuja, said the move is to further enhance creativity and innovation in the centres.
Aris also disclosed that ITF has made a formal submission to the Federal Government for the establishment of Centres for Advanced Skills Training for Employment, CASTE, in the six Geo-political Zones.
According to him, schools of higher learning in Nigeria and other stakeholders can use the hubs as incubation centres and vehicles for innovation and creativity, while the CASTE centre can be used for graduate upskilling and reskilling and the overall capacity development of Nigerians in TVET.
The ITF boss, therefore, called on tertiary institutions and other relevant agencies to work with the fund to drive the growth of the country through innovation.
While tracing ITF’s involvement with FIAU to the collaboration of the fund with the German Government under the German Dual Vocational Training, DVT, which ITF has adopted, Ari said innovation has emerged as a powerful tool to transform African Higher Educational System and drive progress in a post-pandemic world.
He also called for fostering of entrepreneurship and employability, adding that innovation in African higher education institutions can cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, aligning graduates’ skills with the demands of a competitive job market.
“By integrating entrepreneurship modules into various courses, institutions can equip students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and business acumen. Innovative programs like startup incubators, entrepreneurship competitions, and mentorship networks can further inspire and support students to create their ventures.
“By building stronger connections with industries through internships, industrial training, and research collaborations, institutions of higher education can enhance students’ employability and nurture a culture of innovation,” he said.
He described collaboration between tertiary institutions in Africa and their international counterparts as vital for innovation-driven growth, adding that establishing networks and partnerships can facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and joint research projects.
Speaking on enhancement of digital infrastructure for remote learning, he noted that to address the digital divide in Africa, Tertiary Institutions in Africa must prioritize technology infrastructure investments.
“Collaborations with tech companies, governments, and educational organizations can help to bridge the digital divide by expanding internet connectivity and providing students and faculty with the necessary devices,” he said.
On his part, FIAU co-founder, Prof Pascal Anosike, said African universities have made remarkable progress on areas of curriculum review and private sector investment, but more still needs to be done in widening access and improving employability rate.
Anosike called for the use of modern technology to support students’ learning, adding that his organization wants to strengthen the capacity of African universities to tackle these challenges.
He further stated that his organization’s mission is to bring together people who have the power to push forward ideas, build trust, and mobilise resources to drive the new vision of accelerating innovation in African universities.