The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is set to certify 296 artisans under its Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme in the Federal Capital Territory as part of efforts to prepare Nigerian artisans for global job opportunities and internationally recognised technical careers.
The certification examination will hold from May 18 to 20, 2026, and will cover more than 20 vocational and technical skill areas. The exercise will be supervised by Turkish certification firm, Alberk QA Technic.
In a statement signed by the ITF Head of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor, the agency said the certification is designed to improve the global competitiveness of Nigerian artisans while increasing their employability and earning potential.
Speaking ahead of the examination, ITF Director-General, Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, described the exercise as a major step towards repositioning technical and vocational skills in Nigeria.
“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.
According to him, the partnership with the Turkish certification company will improve the credibility, transparency, and international acceptance of the process.
Ogun also revealed that the City & Guilds of London Institute had earlier conducted a mock certification examination for SUPA trainees after approving the ITF as an examination centre.
He explained that the goal of the programme is to ensure Nigerian artisans can compete globally through recognised certifications capable of improving mobility, productivity, and income opportunities both within and outside Nigeria.
“The era when artisanship was viewed as inferior is long gone. Today, technical and vocational skills are among the strongest drivers of industrial growth, innovation, entrepreneurship and national development,” he stated.
The ITF boss added that more states across the country would benefit from the certification exercise after the FCT phase, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria.
