By Israel Adamu
The Industrial Training Fund, ITF, has commenced the nationwide screening of 225,000 practicing artisans under its Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme, a Federal Government initiative designed to equip Nigerian artisans with globally competitive skills, internationally recognised certification and access to employment and business opportunities.
Director of the ITF’s Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department, Mrs. Nancy Ndidiamaka Ekong, disclosed this in Jos on Tuesday while speaking with journalists during the screening exercise
She said the exercise is being conducted simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as part of efforts to implement President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by improving the livelihoods of skilled workers.
According to Ekong, the programme is specifically targeted at practicing artisans and should not be mistaken for an empowerment scheme.
“This programme is not an empowerment programme. It is meant for practicing artisans who already have skills. Whether you are a tailor, plumber, electrician or in any other trade, we are helping you improve your competence and become globally competitive,” she said.
She explained that while many Nigerian artisans possess technical skills, they often lack the professional work ethics, customer relations and aesthetic standards required to compete in today’s labour market.
“Our goal is to improve not only their technical competence but also their attitude to work and professionalism so they can compete favourably with artisans anywhere in the world,” she added.
Ekong disclosed that participants would undergo training free of charge, stressing that the ITF would pay the master trainers while beneficiaries would receive transportation stipends throughout the programme.
She said the training, which lasts three and a half months, also provides internationally recognised certification that would enhance participants’ employability within and outside Nigeria.
Highlighting the programme’s benefits, she said successful participants would exit through three pathways ,business incubation with technical and financial support, job placement with employers within Nigeria, and opportunities for overseas employment where skilled artisans are in demand.
“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.
Reviewing the first phase of the programme, Ekong described it as a success, noting that beneficiaries had completed both technical and soft skills training and were currently undergoing certification examinations.
She said the certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted, adding that it would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.
According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.
She expressed confidence that the programme would improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.
