India has trained more than 27,500 Nigerian professionals in the last 45 years through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. This was revealed by the Indian High Commissioner, Shri Balasubramanian, during the 2024 ITEC Day reception held in Abuja. He noted that each year, around 500 Nigerians benefit from this training program. The ITEC program, which started in 1979, aims to help develop skills and build professional capacity.
The High Commissioner shared details of some recent training efforts, such as a specialized course for 28 Nigerian law enforcement officers who traveled to India in January. He also mentioned ongoing courses in fields like digital health and space technology, encouraging Nigerians to take full advantage of these opportunities to improve their professional skills and contribute to national growth.
Balasubramanian stressed that the ITEC initiative has been a long-standing part of India’s cooperation with Nigeria. It has played a key role in supporting Nigerians in their career development, helping them contribute more effectively to the nation’s progress.
Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed his gratitude for India’s efforts. He pointed out that the ITEC program has been particularly beneficial to Nigeria in sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, helping to build a stronger and more capable workforce.
He praised the collaboration between India and Nigeria as an excellent example of South-South cooperation, which continues to support the development of both nations. The partnership between the two countries remains vital for promoting skills development and professional growth.
The Ambassador highlighted that India’s ongoing commitment to providing these training opportunities has empowered many Nigerians to make valuable contributions to the country’s development. He also encouraged more professionals to take part in future ITEC programs.
Through initiatives like ITEC, India and Nigeria continue to strengthen their partnership, with the program serving as a model for international cooperation in professional training and capacity building.
