The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Enugu State Government are set to deepen collaboration on innovation, skills development and local manufacturing following the approval of land by the state government for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Digital Fabrication Centre in Enugu.

The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, announced the allocation of the parcel of land when he received a delegation from the ITF, led by its Director-General, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu.
Governor Mbah described the proposed Digital Fabrication Centre as a timely initiative that aligns with his administration’s vision of positioning Enugu as a leading destination for investment, innovation and technology-driven industrial development.

He stressed that sustainable economic prosperity depends largely on deliberate investments in human capital and emerging technologies, noting that the state government has continued to create an enabling environment for innovation, enterprise and sustainable economic growth.

According to the Governor, his administration has made technical education compulsory within the state’s basic education system, with a strong focus on digital literacy, robotics and mechatronics to prepare young people for the future of work.

He noted that many traditional trades are increasingly being transformed by digital technologies, making it essential to equip young Nigerians with relevant technical skills that will enable them to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to economic development.
Governor Mbah further disclosed that the state government has established smart schools across Enugu, equipped with robotics centres, mechatronics laboratories and other modern learning facilities designed to prepare students for the demands of the evolving global economy.

He also noted the growing economic significance of artificial intelligence, which, according to him, is projected to contribute about $20 trillion to the global economy in the coming years.

The Governor therefore emphasised the need for deliberate investment in skills development and technology, stating that the proposed ITF Digital Fabrication Centre would strengthen Enugu’s drive towards building a knowledge-based economy, promoting innovation and local manufacturing, while creating employment opportunities for the state’s growing youth population.

Earlier, the ITF Director-General, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, who led the delegation, said that upon his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he was mandated to upskill Nigerian artisans to international standards.

Dr. Ogun explained that the Fund subsequently repositioned its technical and vocational skills development programmes through strategic initiatives, including the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme, which is designed to train, certify and license Nigerian artisans to international standards.

He disclosed that the ITF had already established a Digital Fabrication Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, with the capacity to produce more than 400 different products.

He therefore requested the allocation of land in Enugu State for the establishment of a similar centre, which would have the same production capacity.

According to him, the initiative is designed to promote industrialisation, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports and equip Nigerians with the skills required to take advantage of opportunities emerging from the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Dr. Ogun also reaffirmed the ITF’s readiness to explore Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) aimed at transforming Nigeria’s artisanal ecosystem and strengthening the country’s technical and vocational workforce.
He further observed that digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics and computer-aided manufacturing, are rapidly transforming the global economy, making it imperative for Nigeria to invest deliberately in workforce development and upskilling in order to remain globally competitive.

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