The leadership of major student organisations in Nigeria has hailed the director-general of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr Afiz Ogun Oluwatoyin, for what they described as a “student-friendly and proactive approach” in the ongoing reforms of the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
In a joint statement signed on Friday, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), along with sister unions – the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), National Association of University Students (NAUS), and National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES) – commended the ITF’s management under Dr Ogun’s leadership.
According to NANS president, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, Nigerian students are beginning to witness “a paradigm shift” in the implementation of SIWES due to the responsive and visionary direction of the new DG.
“As a result of our sustained engagements and the DG’s responsiveness, we are pleased to announce key developments,” the statement read.
Among the reforms highlighted were efforts to clear the backlog of unpaid stipends and ensure timely disbursements.
The ITF has also introduced better coordination for student supervision and eliminated the financial burden of purchasing logbooks through the adoption of an electronic logbook system.
“This digital innovation has improved tracking, transparency, and accessibility for both students and supervisors,” Oladoja said.
The students also noted that for the first time, they are now being included in the formulation and monitoring of SIWES policies. New control mechanisms, they added, have significantly reduced fraud and exploitation in the system.
Calling for patience among affected students, the statement reaffirmed trust in Dr Ogun’s capacity to deliver on ITF’s mandate.
The students further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr Ogun, describing the decision as one that has “rekindled hope and trust in the system.”
They pledged their full support for the ITF boss, noting his alignment with the president’s Renewed Hope agenda aimed at building a productive, competent, and employable youth population.
