ITF Launches Nationwide Artisan Certification Exams

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has launched a nationwide certification examination for Nigerian artisans under the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme, a key initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving the country's technical workforce. The examination, supervised by Alberk QA Technic of Turkey, began on Monday across 28 centres in 27 states, marking Nigeria's largest artisan certification exercise with 7,795 artisans enrolled.

The ITF invested ₦587 million for this initiative. Participants are being assessed in 12 trade areas, including Sewing and Cutting, Plumbing & Pipe Fitting, and Auto Mechanics.

Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, Director-General of ITF, stated that the SUPA programme aims to eliminate quackery and enhance professionalism, allowing Nigerian artisans to compete globally. He mentioned that artisans will receive both international certifications and Nigeria’s NSQF qualification.

Additionally, ITF is developing future artisans through its Hands-On Trade Programme for secondary school students, which will provide them with practical training and international certifications.