International Labour Organisation (ILO), Geneva and the University of Greenwich’s Centre of Research on Employment and Work (UoG-CREW), London have partnered with Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) Ilorin in the areas of workers’ education, training and research to enhance productivity, industrial peace and harmony at workplaces.

This is to boost the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the area of capacity building for the country’s labour force.

The historic partnership agreements between the MINILS and the ILO International Training Centre (ITCILO) in Turin, Italy took place recently in Geneva, MINILS Director General Comrade Issa Aremu has said.

Comrade Aremu added that the agreement with the ILO International Training Centre was the outcome of his year-long engagement to revive the moribund partnership with the ILO in areas of workforce capacity building.

He said that “the critical training areas consistent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu include Impactful social dialogue in Nigeria’s world of work; Collaborative leadership skills for social partners; Strengthening tripartism and effective labour management relations; Trade union administration and governance in an era of change and renewed hope; Effective administration and implementation of tripartite collective agreement by public and private institutions. The agreement also envisages staff exchange, exposure visits and experience sharing between the two institutions. The ITC/ ILO Director Christophe Perrin and MINILS Director General Issa Aremu signed on behalf of Turin Centre and MINILS respectively.

“In a similar vein, the agreement with the University of Greenwich centres on research on employment and work,  with both parties agreeing to develop collaborative activities in academic and educational work inclusive of the exchange of information and materials that are of mutual interest; Exchange of scientific and pedagogical staff and students; realisation of joint research; conduct of joint lectures, seminars and events; preparation of joint publications and exchange of research results. Importantly, both parties shall attempt to secure their reasonable funding to allow for the successful implementation of the MOU.

“Arising from the new transformational development, Director-General Comrade Aremu urged all labour market stakeholders to take advantage of the repositioned Institute to develop the capacities of their employees, administrators and executive officers for an effective, efficient and productive workforce.”