The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is poised to conduct a significant assessment of over 100,000 trainees enrolled in the second phase of its Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA). This examination, administered by the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN), marks a crucial step in the ITF’s ambitious plan to equip Nigerian artisans with globally recognized skills and certifications. The examination will focus on essential soft skills, including project management, occupational health and safety, and professional ethics, ensuring that Nigerian artisans meet international standards of proficiency and competitiveness. This initiative reflects the ITF’s commitment to addressing unemployment and broader socio-economic challenges by empowering artisans with marketable skills and opening doors to both domestic and international opportunities.
The SUPA initiative represents a comprehensive approach to skills development, incorporating a three-tiered training structure designed to progressively enhance the capabilities of participating artisans. The foundational phase focuses on a basic skills assessment, establishing a baseline for individual trainees. SUPA I, the current stage, concentrates on developing crucial soft skills, culminating in the CIPMN-administered examinations. Finally, SUPA II provides advanced technical training, further refining the artisans’ practical expertise in their chosen trades. This structured approach ensures a holistic development process, providing artisans with a well-rounded skill set that encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical application. The ultimate goal is to equip participants with certifications that validate their skills, opening avenues for direct employment, international placements, or successful self-employment ventures.
The ITF’s Director-General and Chief Executive, Dr. Afiz Ogun, has emphasized the importance of internationally recognized certifications in boosting the employability of Nigerian artisans. He has articulated the ITF’s vision of creating an indigenous workforce capable of competing on the global stage, highlighting the potential of such certifications to not only reduce unemployment but also to address wider socio-economic challenges. By providing artisans with marketable skills, the ITF aims to empower them to contribute meaningfully to the national economy and improve their individual livelihoods. This initiative aligns with the ITF’s broader mandate of promoting skills development and industrial growth in Nigeria.
The ITF’s collaboration with international certification bodies underscores the global perspective of the SUPA initiative. Beyond the partnership with CIPMN for soft skills assessment, the ITF has secured approval from City and Guilds, London, a renowned international vocational education organization, to serve as one of its examination centres in Nigeria. This prestigious accreditation will enable Nigerian artisans to earn globally recognized trade certifications, further enhancing their credibility and marketability. In addition, the ITF is actively engaging with ALBERK QA TECHNIC of Turkey and other international organizations to expand the range of certification options available to Nigerian artisans. These strategic partnerships demonstrate the ITF’s commitment to aligning its training programs with international best practices and providing artisans with access to globally recognized credentials.
The ITF’s vision for the SUPA program extends beyond individual skill development to encompass national economic benefits. Dr. Ogun envisions a scenario where Nigerian artisans, armed with internationally recognized certifications, can compete for opportunities abroad. This outward focus aligns with the government’s efforts to diversify the Nigerian economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues. By equipping Nigerian artisans with globally marketable skills, the ITF aims to contribute to the growth of a skilled labor export market, generating foreign exchange and boosting the national economy. This initiative also leverages Nigeria’s significant youth population, estimated at over 70 million, transforming this demographic dividend into a source of skilled labor for both domestic and international markets.
The successful implementation of the SUPA program hinges on strong partnerships and a commitment to high standards. The ITF has expressed its appreciation for CIPMN’s role in the program, acknowledging their expertise and professionalism in administering the soft skills examinations. The ITF’s confidence in CIPMN’s ability to conduct the examinations to the highest standards underscores the importance of collaboration and quality assurance in achieving the program’s objectives. The ongoing partnerships with international certification bodies further reinforce the ITF’s dedication to maintaining global standards and ensuring the credibility of the certifications earned by Nigerian artisans. The SUPA initiative, therefore, represents a multifaceted approach to skills development, combining rigorous training, internationally recognized certifications, and strategic partnerships to empower Nigerian artisans and contribute to national economic growth.
