ITF Launches SUPA Programme for 100,000 Artisans

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has launched the nationwide screening of 100,000 applicants for its Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme, with over 3,000 participants undergoing verification in Lagos. This initiative is part of the federal government's strategy to enhance Nigeria's skilled workforce and support President Bola Tinubu's economic transformation agenda.

Mr. Hassan Sauman, Head of the Technical Vocational Skills Training Development Department at ITF, stated that the programme aims to upgrade artisans to global standards, offering free technical training, internationally recognized certification, and job placement opportunities.

The screening process ensures that only genuine artisans are admitted into the three-month training programme. Sauman emphasized that participation is free and warned against any fraudulent claims for payment.

The programme covers various vocational trades, including garment making, plumbing, welding, and automobile maintenance, and aims to create a comprehensive database of artisans for tracking progress and connecting them with job opportunities.