ITF, USSEC Sign MoU to Train Agro Professionals on Protein Production

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would enhance capacity building and workforce training for early-to-mid career protein professionals and enterprises in Nigeria. 

The MoU, which was achieved through the Soybean Excellence Centre (SEC), an initiative of the USSEC, would enable Nigeria to invest in capacity-building and workforce training initiatives to meet the future demands in soybean production.

A statement issued after the signing of the MoU yesterday, at Ikeja, Lagos State, stated that the partnership between the USSEC’s SEC and the Industrial ITF Nigeria would be funded in part by the board of USSEC and would mark a significant milestone in the SEC’s efforts to expand its training curriculum to current and potential trainees throughout Nigeria across agri training centers.

It noted that the SEC and the ITF would aim at providing essential training and education to professionals in the protein industry, by equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive innovation and growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector while supporting the needs of protein enterprises to access world-class curricula.

Speaking on the MoU, the Director-General and Chief Executive of the ITF, Mr. Joseph N. Ari, who was represented by the Director, Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department, ITF, Mrs. Lami Dakwak, said that, “this 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.

“The focus on soybean farming, poultry, and aquaculture helps us address food security issues, promote good nutrition, and prepare our people to take on the challenges of trade and commerce.

“This 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. This partnership is vital to our vision of a vibrant and rising Nigeria.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer of USSEC, Mr. Jim Sutter, said: “USSEC’s Soy Excellence Center (SEC) programming leverages the knowledge of the U.S. Soy industry. We are proud to collaborate with the ITF 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.” 

According to USSEC’s Country Team Lead for Nigeria, Dr. Michael David, “the SEC’s commitment to excellence in training and development, coupled with the support of our partners, signals its dedication to driving sustainable growth and prosperity in Nigeria.

“Through collaborative efforts and the implementation of comprehensive training programs, we envision a future where skilled protein professionals contribute significantly to ensure the country’s economic development.”

Commenting on the partnership between the ITF and the USSEC, USSEC’s Regional Director, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Kevin Roepke, added that the historic agreement was emblematic of the power of public-private partnerships.

Roepke said: “By leveraging the SEC’s outreach, USSEC and ITF can further achieve greater nutritional security by creating value for Nigeria’s protein sectors.

“As 45 per cent of Nigeria’s population consumes well below global protein recommendations, USSEC is confident this partnership will help be a catalyst to grow Nigeria’s animal protein industries.”

The SECs, according to the statement, was dedicated to fostering a sustainable and thriving protein industry in Nigeria through comprehensive capacity-building and workforce training initiatives.

It said: “With nearly 160 participants undergoing primary and intermediary courses in poultry and feed milling courses in just this year, and with the active participation of nearly 360 protein professionals in our bespoke digital community, the SECs are democratising access to our excellent and learned course advisors, other like-minded protein professionals in Nigeria and around the world.

“This access to knowledge anytime, anywhere, digitally is crucial to scaling the vision and commitment of this MoU in support of a rising Nigerian population.” 

 The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is focused on building preference, improving the value, and enabling market access for the use of U.S. soy for human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed in 82 countries across the world.