The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has commenced the nationwide screening of 225,000 practising artisans under its Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme, a workforce development initiative aimed at enhancing technical competence, professionalism, and employability across Nigeria’s skilled trades sector.
The Director of ITF’s Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department, Mrs. Nancy Ekong, disclosed this on Tuesday while monitoring the screening exercise in Plateau State.
Mrs Ekong said the exercise is being conducted simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She emphasised that the SUPA Programme is specifically designed for practising artisans who already possess vocational skills and should not be mistaken for a general empowerment initiative.
“This programme is not an empowerment programme. It is meant for practising artisans who already have skills. Whether you are a tailor, plumber, electrician, or in any other trade, we are helping you improve your competence and become globally competitive,” she said.
Mrs Ekong explained that the programme seeks to address skills gaps and strengthen professionalism within Nigeria’s artisan workforce.
“Our goal is to improve not only their technical competence but also their attitude to work and professionalism so they can compete favourably with artisans anywhere in the world,” she added.
According to her, the three-and-a-half-month training programme will be delivered free of charge, with the ITF covering the cost of master trainers and providing transportation stipends for participants.
She further disclosed that beneficiaries would receive different forms of post-training support based on their career pathways.
“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.
Mrs Ekong also revealed that the pilot phase of the programme, conducted in Abuja, has been completed, with participants already undergoing certification examinations.
“The certification exercise has already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, adding that the exercise would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.
The nationwide rollout underscores the ITF’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s skilled workforce through structured vocational training, industry-recognised certification, and improved employment opportunities, in line with national human capital development objectives.
