The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has launched a new phase of its Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme aimed at helping Nigerian artisans secure internationally recognised certifications that could open doors to jobs in Europe and other foreign countries.
The initiative marks a major shift from the traditional system where artisans received only certificates of attendance after training. Under the new model, participants will now undergo competency-based assessments designed to meet international standards.
Speaking during the pilot phase of the international certification examination in Abuja, Director of Special Duties at ITF, Kayode Surajudeen Alakija, said the programme was created to improve the quality and global competitiveness of Nigerian artisans.
According to him, the certification exercise is being conducted in partnership with a recognised international organisation from Turkey, which is supervising the examinations to ensure they meet global requirements.
“This is about delivering on our promise to Nigerians. We are moving beyond just training people and issuing certificates of attendance,” Alakija said.
“What we are doing now is ensuring that artisans are certified based on competence, with qualifications that can be recognised anywhere in the world.”
He explained that the pilot programme currently involves 296 trainees across different trade areas in the Federal Capital Territory, adding that successful candidates would proceed to practical assessments before receiving full certification.
Alakija said the long-term goal is to allow Nigerian artisans including plumbers, electricians, tailors, welders, and auto mechanics to compete for opportunities beyond Nigeria.
“The essence of this examination is to give our artisans global certification. With this, a Nigerian plumber, tailor, or auto mechanic can work not just locally, but in Europe and other parts of the world,” he said.
He added that after the Abuja pilot phase, the certification examinations would be expanded across all 36 states with trained local examiners and invigilators overseeing the process nationwide.
The ITF official also disclosed that the SUPA programme is designed to create more opportunities for beneficiaries beyond international employment.
According to him, successful participants may also benefit from business incubation support, equipment funding, and entrepreneurship opportunities based on merit and performance.
“We are not selecting people based on who they know. It is purely performance-driven. Those who prove their competence through this process will be the ones to benefit from further opportunities,” he added.
Director of Technical and Vocational Skills Training at ITF, Nancy Ndidi Amaka Ekon, said more than 200,000 artisans have already been trained under the SUPA programme since its launch in 2024.
She noted that many Nigerian artisans already possess technical abilities but often struggle with professionalism, finishing, and work ethics required in international markets.
“We have artisans, but many of them lack the finishing and ethical standards required in today’s market. This is why jobs are often given to foreign workers while Nigerians remain underutilised,” Ekon said.
She explained that the programme now includes training in project management, costing, and professional ethics alongside technical skills to improve the overall quality of Nigerian artisans.
Ekon also confirmed that the nationwide rollout would involve collaborations with state governments, vocational institutions, and private technical centres with modern facilities.
Nigeria Startup News (NSN) reporta that the Federal Government has continued to push for stronger technical and vocational education in Nigeria as part of efforts to reduce unemployment, create jobs, and prepare young Nigerians for both local and international labour markets.
