In a landmark achievement, Nigerian-born Serumu Igberadja has assumed office as the President of the International Vocational Education and Training Association (IVETA), USA.
He is the first West African to lead the global organization dedicated to advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) worldwide. His tenure began on January 1, 2025, and is set to usher in transformative initiatives for TVET systems globally.
Igberadja, a native of Delta State, is no stranger to leadership in the vocational education sector. A former Vice President of IVETA for East and West Africa, he is the CEO of Think TVET Global Consult and Edu Tour Global Limited, as well as the Director of International Relations and Business Development at Whitecloud TVET Solutions Ltd. His vast expertise, coupled with a deep passion for youth empowerment, community development, and sustainable livelihoods, has positioned him as a visionary leader in the TVET field.
During his inaugural address, Igberadja emphasized his commitment to enhancing global TVET systems through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy. He highlighted plans to strengthen partnerships with governments, global institutions like UNESCO and the World Bank, and the private sector to drive advancements in vocational education.
Igberadja also underscored the need for improving the quality of TVET programs to better prepare graduates for the workforce, with a focus on teacher training and institutional excellence.
Shifting societal perceptions of TVET remains a top priority for the new president. He stressed the importance of advocacy campaigns, workshops, and community engagement to showcase the value of vocational education in fostering economic growth and sustainable development.
Additionally, resource mobilization to support projects across IVETA’s diverse regions and ensuring balanced representation in the organization’s governance were central themes of his address.
Igberadja’s leadership is built on years of impactful work in the TVET sector. An alumnus of the United States Department of State’s International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), he is also a member of the UNESCO UNEVOC Forum and the Skillman International Forum in Italy. His career has been marked by successful collaborations with institutions such as the University of Nigeria Nsukka, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and international TVET equipment manufacturers from Europe, Asia, and America.
He has also featured as a keynote speaker and facilitator at numerous global conferences, including the 2022 WorldSkills Africa Conference in Namibia, the 2022 IVETA Conference in Las Vegas, and the 2023 US-Africa Leaders’ Summit in Washington DC. His extensive experience in building partnerships and advancing vocational education will undoubtedly shape IVETA’s trajectory under his leadership.
IVETA, a global network of vocational educators, training organizations, and industries, is dedicated to improving high-quality vocational education worldwide. With Igberadja at the helm, the organization is poised to drive innovation, collaboration, and sustainable solutions in TVET.
As he takes on this historic role, Igberadja’s vision and strategic focus promise to elevate vocational education as a cornerstone for global economic and social development.