In a major step toward international cooperation in youth empowerment and technical innovation, Plateau State has begun exploring a strategic partnership with the Italian government to enhance skills development and vocational education.
The initiative gained momentum on Friday as the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, received the Acting Ambassador and Chargé d’affaires of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iacopo Foti, at the Government House in Jos.
At the center of the discussions was the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), a federal institution headquartered in Jos and pivotal to Nigeria’s national skills development agenda. The talks focused on fostering collaboration between Italy and Plateau State through the ITF in areas of technical and vocational training.
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Governor Mutfwang welcomed the envoy and expressed gratitude for Italy’s interest in partnering with the state, commending the European country’s long-standing leadership in vocational education and manufacturing.
“We are proud to host such a strategic national institution here in Jos,” he said. “Italy’s global leadership in vocational training and manufacturing presents a unique opportunity for collaboration, especially in equipping our youth with practical, life-preparing skills.”
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The governor reflected on the historical ties between Plateau and Italy, noting that aspects of the Government House furnishings were of Italian origin. “Italy has always had a footprint here—from furniture to fashion, from pasta to football,” he said. “We believe there’s still so much more we can do together.”
Governor Mutfwang expressed Plateau State’s willingness to broaden areas of engagement to include cultural exchanges, business linkages, and technical education.
In response, Mr. Foti described the visit as long overdue and reaffirmed Italy’s interest in deepening its partnership with Nigeria, especially in vocational training. “Though we had to postpone earlier due to national events back home, we are glad to finally be here. Nigeria’s youth are energetic and full of potential, and we’re eager to share our experience in skills development,” he stated.
The envoy praised the ITF’s national mandate and potential for global partnerships, adding, “Understanding Nigeria’s diversity is critical to building meaningful collaborations, and this visit has certainly deepened our appreciation.”
Both parties agreed to maintain dialogue and move toward establishing formal frameworks for bilateral cooperation. A technical session between officials of the Italian Embassy and the ITF is already being planned to outline specific areas of collaboration.
The visit comes ahead of the arrival of a new Italian ambassador to Nigeria, signaling a renewed chapter in Italy–Nigeria relations, with Plateau State poised to take a lead role.
