Soy Excellence Center and ITF Collaborate to Support the Protein Needs of a Rising Nigeria 

Fostering Capacity Building and Workforce Training Targeted at Protein Professionals and
Enterprises
The Soy Excellence Center (SEC), a U.S. Soybean Export Council
(USSEC) initiative, is proud to announce significant strides in its mission to enhance capacity building
and workforce training for early-to-mid career protein professionals and enterprises in Nigeria. This
vital work has been made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with
their key partner, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) of Nigeria.
Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC says, “USSEC’s Soy Excellence Center programming leverages the knowledge
of the U.S. Soy industry. We are proud to collaborate with the Industrial Training Fund of Nigeria 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.”
The partnership between the USSEC's SEC and the Industrial Training Fund of Nigeria, funded in part
by the United Soybean Board, marks a significant milestone in the SEC's efforts to expand its training
curriculum to current and potential trainees throughout Nigeria across the Agri Training Centers. By
working together, the SEC and the Industrial Training Fund aim to provide essential training and
education to professionals in the protein industry, 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.
The Director-General and Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund represented by Mrs. Lami
Dakwak, Director, Technical & Vocational Skills Training Department, ITF emphasizes, “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.”

Reflecting on the partnership, Kevin Roepke, Regional Director – South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa,
USSEC adds, “This historic agreement is emblematic of the power of public-private partnerships. By
leveraging the Soy Excellence Center’s outreach, USSEC and ITF can further achieve greater
nutritional security by creating value for Nigeria’s protein sectors.  As 45% 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.”

This public-private partnership plays a vital role in Nigeria's strategic planning as it prepares to
accommodate a rapidly expanding population. Currently ranked as the 15th most populous country
globally, Nigeria is projected to become the third most populous nation within the next 25 years.
Considering this growth, it is imperative to invest in capacity-building and workforce training
initiatives to meet the future demands in this sector.

Dr. Michael David, Michael David, Country Team Lead – Nigeria, USSEC says, “The Soy Excellence
Center'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.”
The SECs remain dedicated to fostering a sustainable and thriving protein industry in Nigeria through
comprehensive capacity-building and workforce training initiatives. 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 democratizing 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 Nigeria.