NIMS 2026: Netufo Jasper Oluranti Bags Industrial Manpower Award for TVET Innovation

The President of Whitecloud TVET Solutions Limited, Mr. Netufo Jasper Oluranti, has received the 2026 Industrial Manpower Award for Innovation in Technical and Vocational Education at the National Industrial Manpower Summit (NIMS) 2026 in Abuja.

The award was presented at a gathering of government officials, industry leaders, traditional rulers, institutional representatives and other stakeholders who converged to examine strategies for developing Nigeria’s human capital and strengthening the country’s industrial workforce.

Held under the theme, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Human Capital for Industrial Transformation: Building Skills, Driving Innovation and Creating Prosperity,” the summit focused on the importance of practical skills, professional competence, innovation and industry-driven training in advancing national development.

The high-level gathering featured Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry; Hon. Adamson Oluwatosin Ayinde, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development and convener of the summit; and Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin, Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented at the event by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.

NIMS 2026 also recorded international participation, reflecting the growing importance of cross-border cooperation in skills development, technology and industrial capacity building.

The President of Guinea was represented by his special envoy, the Minister of Economic Planning, Ismaël Nabé The diplomatic delegation also included ambassadors representing Guinea in Nigeria, Kenya and China.

Their participation added an international dimension to discussions on workforce development, technological advancement and opportunities for cooperation between countries.

The presence of international representatives, alongside Nigerian policymakers and industry stakeholders, reinforced the need for collaboration in developing skills that can respond to the changing demands of modern industries and strengthen economic opportunities across Africa.

The participation of senior government officials, traditional institutions and industry stakeholders underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing skills gaps and preparing the Nigerian workforce for the demands of modern industry.

Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin, Director-General of the ITF, spoke on issues relating to project management and competence enhancement, highlighting areas central to building a capable and effective workforce.

The ITF plays an important role in industrial skills development and workforce training in Nigeria. Its involvement in the summit reflected the need to strengthen the relationship between vocational training, professional development and the practical requirements of employers.

Hon. Adamson Oluwatosin Ayinde, who convened the summit through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support for the initiative.

The summit’s agenda also placed emphasis on developing a long-term National Industrial Workforce Strategy, strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET), improving apprenticeship pathways and fostering partnerships between government, training institutions and the private sector.

The summit brought together stakeholders from different sectors of the economy, reflecting the broad cooperation required to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s industrial ambitions.

Representatives of government institutions, financial organisations, manufacturing and enterprise-development bodies participated in discussions on workforce readiness, skills development and industrial productivity.

Institutions relevant to Nigeria’s industrial and enterprise ecosystem include the Bank of Industry, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund and National Automotive Design and Development Council.

The broader discussions highlighted a persistent challenge facing Nigeria: ensuring that the skills acquired through education and training match the needs of employers and the wider economy.

Participants examined the importance of practical training, industry partnerships and continuous professional development in preparing young people and existing workers for emerging opportunities.

As technology and industrial processes continue to evolve, technical competence remains essential to improving productivity, supporting enterprise growth and creating sustainable employment.

The President of Whitecloud Tvet Solutions Limited, Mr. Oluranti’s recognition with the 2026 Industrial Manpower Award for Innovation in Technical and Vocational Education brings attention to the role of innovative training such as Soldamatic Augmented Reality approaches in developing the skilled workforce Nigeria needs.

Technical and vocational education provides pathways for people to acquire practical competencies for employment, entrepreneurship and participation in productive industries.

The award therefore highlights the importance of advancing TVET as a key component of workforce development and industrial transformation.

Receiving the Industrial Manpower Award for Innovation in Technical and Vocational Education, Mr. Netufo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating opportunities that support technological advancement and the development of technical skills in Nigeria.

He acknowledged the importance of an enabling environment in which technology, innovation and practical training can contribute more meaningfully to national development.

Oluranti’s appreciation comes at a time when Nigeria’s industrial future increasingly depends on the ability to equip young people and existing workers with the competencies needed to participate in emerging industries.

He also recognised the importance of institutions such as the Industrial Training Fund and the National Board for Technical Education in advancing technical and vocational education, strengthening workforce competence and connecting training with industry needs.

As Nigeria pursues industrial growth and economic diversification, the message from NIMS 2026 remains significant: sustainable development requires not only investment in infrastructure and technology but also investment in people equipped with the knowledge, skills and competence to drive progress.