The Model Skills Training Centre (MSTC), Abuja, was established by the Industrial Training Fund as a Post-Secondary Technical Institution in 2011, to provide industry relevant career and technical education programmes for secondary school leavers and adult learners. It was a two-pronged effort, by the then Federal government, for the actualization of the millennium development goals of Mr. President’s policy and Transformation Agenda. To date, the Model Skills Training Centre (MSTC) is progressing in developing the nation’s economy through its highly Skilled Human Resource.
Consequent to the above, the Management of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), in 2007, undertook a study of three Asian countries with a similar mandate to develop skills. Here they discovered a holistic approach to technical skills development at the Institute of Technical Education (ITEE) in Singapore. To pursue this holistic approach on technical skills development, the ITF adopted a plan of action which culminated in a feasibility study to Abuja by officials of Institute of Technical Education (ITEE), Singapore. The feasibility study report which was produced, spelled out modalities for collaboration in the following five (5) identified trades offering full time NITEC international Certificate courses.
- Culinary Skills Western (CSW)
- Facility Maintenance Technology (FCT)
- Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
- Mechatronics (Industrial Automation) (MCE)
- Electronics (Computer & Networking) (ECN)
In 2010, April 21st, the ITF formerly engaged the Institute of Technical Education, Educational Services PTE Ltd. (ITEES), Singapore, through a Contractual Agreement to provide Consultancy Services to set-up Model Skills Training Centre (MSTC) at Abuja for the Five (5) trade areas earlier proposed.
In September 2016, the MSTC formally applied to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which is mandated to accord approvals on prospective TVET programmes, for inclusion of certain programmes for critique/vetting and development in the National Vocational Certificate (NVC) component. The programmes were,
- Electrical Installation, Repairs and Maintenance
- Automotive Mechatronics Technology
- Hospitality and Tourism
This was closely followed by another critique exercise request, to add the National Innovative Diploma (NID) component to its certification status. The programmes for this component were,
- Building Construction Technology
- Computer Hardware Engineering
- Computer Software Engineering
- Computer Networking and System Security
- Electrical/Electronics Technology
- Facility Management Technology
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Mechatronics and Automation Technology
- Welding and Fabrication
In January 2017, the MSTC was formerly granted approval to operate as an Innovative Enterprise Institute (IEI), with effect from December 2016. It is to offer programmes in the two components of NID/NVC. Admission into the MSTC is now through JAMB for the NID programmes that run for Two (2) years and direct admissions for the Modular programmes that run for 4 weeks to 24 weeks. Today the Centre is a Model in TVET Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
Objectives of MSTC
The main objectives of the training centre are to:
- Train and develop high level of skilled manpower in selected occupational areas considered to be of priority to the Commerce and Industry.
- Empower the youths through skills acquisition programme, based on Hands-on, Minds-on and Hearts-on approach aimed at Job creation and entrepreneurship development.
- Liaise with the Industries to upgrade the skills of either work force in specific areas as may be identified through performance assessment.
- Certify and issue trainees with Certificates.
For more, visit www.itfmstc.edu.ng
