ITF Management Team Seeks Stronger Collaboration with UNIZIK, Visits Vice-Chancellor
The Management Team of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Awka Area Office, on Friday, June 19, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, in his office.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Team Leader, Mrs. Ekwuruke Henry Gloria, described the Industrial Training Fund as a Federal Government agency charged with the responsibility of human resource development in commercial and industrial sectors. She explained that for the past 54 years, ITF has remained committed to promoting and encouraging the acquisition of industrial and commercial skills across Nigeria.
Mrs. Ekwuruke highlighted some of the core functions of the Fund, including training and manpower development as well as the collection of one per cent annual payroll contributions from organisations and institutions to support training programmes and skill acquisition initiatives for unemployed youths.
She noted that Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains one of the major beneficiaries of ITF programmes.
According to her, ITF and the University have enjoyed a productive partnership over the years in several areas. These areas she disclosed included the deployment of trainers to the Department of Agriculture for crop and animal husbandry training, as well as the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), which she described as a vital Federal Government initiative aimed at bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical industry experience.
She further commended the University for consistently recording one of the highest numbers of students participating in the SIWES programme. She also acknowledged the collaboration between ITF and the UNIZIK Business School through the Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (EDI), where trainees are equipped with marketable skills under the “One Youth, Two Skills” programme.
She equally praised the contributions of the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies in advancing entrepreneurial development.
Mrs. Ekwuruke disclosed that one of the major reasons for the visit was to express the Fund’s concern over the recent decline in the participation of both academic and non-academic staff in ITF training programmes. She also raised concerns about what she described as a reduction in admission opportunities being accorded to the institution by the University.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Anyaehie, thanked the delegation for the visit and for openly presenting their concerns. Addressing the issue of admissions, he explained that the admission process for the new academic session had not commenced because the University was yet to receive the necessary details from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), although registration for the Post-UTME exercise had already begun.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the delegation that admissions would be conducted fairly and in line with established requirements, emphasising that only qualified candidates who meet the stipulated criteria would be considered.
He further highlighted the enormous pressure on available admission spaces, noting that out of approximately 50,000 applicants seeking admission into the University, over 14,700 applied for Nursing Science alone, despite the department having a carrying capacity of only 200 students. He observed that many parents often insist on particular courses for their children even when the candidates do not meet the admission requirements for such programmes.
Professor Anyaehie reaffirmed the University’s commitment to sustaining and strengthening its partnership with the Industrial Training Fund in areas that would enhance staff development, entrepreneurship, practical training, and skill acquisition.
As part of the visit, the delegation presented the Vice-Chancellor with the ITF 2026 Training Programme Schedule as well as some items produced at the ITF Skill Acquisition Centre.
Members of the ITF delegation included Mrs. Nnenna Christopher Nwadike, Assistant Director and Head of Training, and Mr. Ekufre Williams Benjamin, Assistant Director and Head of the Revenue Inspectorate and Compliance Department.
Also present at the meeting were the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Kingsley Ubaoji, and the Director of Quality Assurance, Professor Anthony Nnedum, among other University officials.