The Soy Excellence Center (SEC), a U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) initiative, has announced significant strides in its mission to enhance capacity building and workforce training for early-to-mid career protein professionals and enterprises in Nigeria.
According to the initiative, the vital work has been made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with their key partner, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) of Nigeria.
CEO, USSEC, Jim Sutter, noted that USSEC’s Soy Excellence Center programming leverages the knowledge of the U.S. Soy industry.
“We are proud to collaborate with the Industrial Training Fund of Nigeria and industry to help advance the Nigerian protein industry, delivering a world-class training curriculum to empower trainees with relevant skills and help promote local economic growth,” he said.
The director-general and chief executive of the Industrial Training Fund represented by Director, Technical & Vocational Skills Training Department, ITF Mrs. Lami Dakwak, emphasises that the strategic partnership between ITF and USSEC in a curriculum-based skills training program through its Soy Excellence Center allows us to access world-class learning platforms and resources, adding that the focus on soybean farming, poultry, and aquaculture helps to address food security issues, promote good nutrition, and prepare our people to take on the challenges of trade and commerce.
She stated that the partnership also delivers solutions to balance Nigeria’s current job creation, employability, and empowerment needs for Nigerian youths while building capacity in the agricultural and protein value chain stating that the partnership is vital to ITF’s vision of a vibrant and rising Nigeria.
Reflecting on the partnership, Regional Director, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, USSEC Kevin Roepke, disclosed that the historic agreement is emblematic of the power of public-private partnerships. By leveraging the Soy Excellence Center’s outreach, USSEC and ITF can further achieve greater nutritional security by creating value for Nigeria’s protein sectors.
Kevin explained that the public-private partnership plays a vital role in Nigeria’s strategic planning as it prepares to accommodate a rapidly expanding population, adding that it is imperative to invest in capacity-building and workforce training initiatives to meet the future demands in this sector.
Country Team Lead, Nigeria, USSEC, Dr. Michael David further revealed that The Soy Excellence Center’s commitment to excellence in training and development, coupled with the support of the partners, signals its dedication to driving sustainable growth and prosperity in Nigeria and through collaborative efforts and the implementation of comprehensive training programs, USSEC envisions a future where skilled protein professionals contribute significantly to ensure the country’s economic development.
