ITF building in Jos
Lawmaker representing Quaan-Pan South (APC) in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Prof. Theodore Maiyaki, has strongly opposed the proposed relocation of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) headquarters from Jos.
Speaking on a matter of urgent public importance during Thursday’s plenary session in Jos, Maiyaki called on both the Plateau State and Federal Governments to take immediate action to prevent the relocation.
As the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Science, and Technology, Maiyaki warned that moving the ITF headquarters would have severe economic and social repercussions for Plateau State.
He highlighted that the relocation would diminish the state’s federal presence, disrupt economic activities tied to the institution, lead to job losses, undermine the ITF’s historical significance in Jos, and affect long-standing training programs and partnerships.
“The ITF is more than just a federal agency; it is a cornerstone of Plateau’s identity. Keeping its headquarters in Jos is a matter of justice, equity, and acknowledgment of our role in Nigeria’s development,” Maiyaki stated.
He urged the assembly to adopt a resolution pressing the state government to collaborate with federal authorities to ensure the ITF remains in Jos. Additionally, Maiyaki proposed that relevant house committees engage with the ITF leadership, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and other key stakeholders to secure the institution’s future in the state.
He further recommended that the assembly formally communicate this resolution to the President of Nigeria, the National Assembly, and the ITF Governing Council.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the ITF, established in 1971, has been based in Jos for over 50 years, serving as a vital center for manpower development and technical training nationwide.
