The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has commenced international certification examinations for beneficiaries of its Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of efforts to equip Nigerian artisans with globally recognised technical skills.
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The examination, supervised by Turkish certification firm Alberk QA Technic, is taking place over two days and involves 296 artisans trained under the SUPA initiative in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations of ITF, Mr Thomas Ngor, candidates are being examined across more than 20 vocational and technical trades considered important to Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic development.
The trades include fashion design, welding and fabrication, cyber security, automechanics, tiling, bricklaying, painting and decoration, electrical and electronics, as well as carpentry.
Speaking ahead of the exercise, the Director-General of ITF, Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, said the certification process represents a major step towards improving the global competitiveness of Nigerian artisans.
“This certification exercise, conducted under the rigorous standards of Alberk QA Technic, will validate the skills acquired by the artisans and provide them with internationally recognised certification,” Ogun said.
He added that the involvement of Alberk QA Technic would improve the credibility, transparency and global acceptance of the certification process.
Ogun also recalled that the City & Guilds of London Institute had earlier approved ITF as an examination centre and conducted a mock certification exercise for SUPA trainees in preparation for international standards.
According to him, the programme is designed to improve the employability, productivity and earning potential of Nigerian artisans while also creating opportunities for them within and outside Nigeria.
