The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) have made a strong case for increased investment in technical and vocational education to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria. During the eighth edition of the ITF-NECA Technical Skills Development Project stakeholders’ dialogue forum held in Abuja, both organizations highlighted that approximately 90 percent of graduates from their joint training initiative have successfully secured employment or launched their own businesses.

Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, the Director-General of NECA, emphasized the importance of financial support from both government and private sectors, stating that enhanced funding would enable more young Nigerians to transform their technical skills into sustainable livelihoods. He noted that the initiative, which commenced in 2009, has trained individuals in over 35 technical and vocational trades across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, with participation from 84 organizations.

Oyerinde explained that the partnership was formed after a survey in 2008 revealed a significant gap between the technical skills available in the labor market and those demanded by industries. This survey identified critical shortages in areas such as mechanical maintenance, welding, and electrical maintenance, prompting the establishment of the NECA-ITF Technical Skills Development Project (TSDP) to equip young Nigerians with relevant skills.

He stated, "Available project records indicate that approximately 90 percent of graduates of this project have secured employment or established their own businesses." Oyerinde also pointed out the necessity for the workforce to adapt to advancements in technology, including automation and digital manufacturing, as well as the importance of cleaner energy.

In a collaborative effort with the International Organisation of Employers and Microsoft, NECA has registered 101,000 young Nigerians for an artificial intelligence training program, with over 87,000 participants receiving certificates. Oyerinde urged financial institutions to support credible vocational training programs and provide funding to help graduates establish their own businesses, rather than relying solely on traditional employment.

Mercy Oyewole, representing the ITF Governing Council, echoed the sentiment that technical skills are vital for enhancing productivity and reducing reliance on imported expertise. She stressed the need to measure the success of training not just by completion rates but by the graduates' ability to secure jobs and operate successful businesses. "The true graduation ceremony is the day a skill begins to earn a living," she remarked.

Oyewole also called on employers to offer workplace exposure, mentorship, and employment opportunities to trainees, while advocating for better access to tools and business support for those pursuing self-employment. She highlighted the importance of inclusivity, urging that technical occupations should be accessible to all qualified individuals, including women and persons with disabilities.

Gabriel Ojelade, the Director of Skills Development at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, reiterated that vocational training is crucial for promoting decent employment and improving productivity. He encouraged stakeholders to enhance collaboration and ensure that training programs align with labor market demands. Similarly, a representative from the Ministry of Youth Development called for the expansion of technical training into emerging sectors such as renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, emphasizing the potential for job creation and economic diversification.

The stakeholders collectively urged employers to open their factories and workshops to trainees, provide mentorship, and facilitate pathways from training to employment, reinforcing the need for a concerted effort to combat youth unemployment in Nigeria.