The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is embarking on an ambitious endeavor to bolster Nigeria’s skilled workforce through its Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA). Following a successful pilot phase that saw the graduation of 29,000 artisans, the ITF is now scaling up the program significantly, aiming to train an additional 100,000 individuals in the upcoming phase. SUPA is designed to address the critical shortage of skilled manpower within Nigerian industries, ultimately contributing to economic growth and individual prosperity. The program utilizes a multi-faceted approach, combining technical skills training with entrepreneurial development and access to internationally recognized certifications. This comprehensive strategy seeks to equip artisans not only with enhanced technical abilities but also with the business acumen needed to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
SUPA adopts a three-tiered structure, starting with the Foundation phase, which provides a foundational understanding of key concepts. This is followed by SUPA I, which focuses on developing crucial soft skills such as project management, health and safety protocols, and ethical conduct. The final stage, SUPA II, delves into specialized technical training within the artisan’s chosen trade area. This structured approach allows for a gradual progression of skills development, ensuring a solid foundation before progressing to more advanced concepts. The incorporation of soft skills training underscores the program’s recognition of the holistic needs of artisans in the modern work environment. This combination of technical expertise and essential soft skills aims to create well-rounded professionals capable of contributing effectively to various industries.
The ITF is utilizing technology to streamline the program’s implementation. A dedicated online platform (www.supa.itf.gov.ng) facilitates registration and dissemination of information. Furthermore, a rigorous screening process is conducted across all 90 Senatorial Districts to ensure the selection of qualified candidates. This nationwide reach demonstrates the ITF’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to training opportunities for artisans across the country. The selection of qualified training centers is also a crucial aspect of the program’s quality assurance. Ongoing monitoring of the training process ensures that artisans receive the promised stipends and that training centers are appropriately compensated for their services. This meticulous approach highlights the ITF’s dedication to upholding transparency and accountability in its operations.
Building on the successes and lessons learned from the pilot phase, the ITF is implementing several improvements for the second phase. These include streamlining the onboarding process for trainees, enhancing payment systems for both artisans and training centers, and restructuring internal procedures to support the program’s expansion. These adjustments reflect the ITF’s commitment to continuous improvement and its responsiveness to feedback from stakeholders. The focus on improving payment systems demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the timely and efficient disbursement of funds, further building trust and reliability within the program.
The ITF Director-General, Dr. Oluwatoyin Ogun, emphasizes the significance of SUPA as a pivotal intervention to address the skilled manpower deficit in Nigeria. He highlights the program’s dual focus on technical and entrepreneurial training, coupled with access to international certification exams. The aim is to empower artisans to contribute not only to the national economy but also to the global market. This ambitious goal reflects a forward-thinking approach that recognizes the increasing interconnectedness of global economies and the need for Nigerian artisans to be competitive on an international scale. The provision of internationally recognized certifications further enhances the marketability and credibility of SUPA graduates.
Looking ahead, the ITF is actively preparing for the commencement of SUPA Phase I, targeting 100,000 artisans, including the 29,000 graduates from the Foundation phase. Formal admission letters will be dispatched shortly, and the complete list of trainees will be published on both the SUPA website and the ITF’s official website. This transparent communication strategy ensures that participants are well-informed about the program’s progress and their individual status. The ITF is also proactively addressing logistical aspects, such as the production of personal protective equipment and the procurement of essential training materials. The six to eight-week training program culminates in a certification examination, offered at no cost to participants. Successful candidates will then progress to SUPA Phase II for specialized technical training and further certification.
Furthermore, the ITF is expanding its network of training centers, aiming to increase the number from 800 to at least 1,500. Discussions are underway with original equipment manufacturers regarding the bulk purchase of training equipment to support these centers. This strategic partnership demonstrates the ITF’s commitment to leveraging private sector expertise and resources to enhance the quality of training. By expanding the network of training centers, the ITF aims to increase accessibility and broaden the program’s reach across the country. This expansion will contribute to a more geographically diverse pool of skilled artisans, benefiting industries throughout Nigeria.
To facilitate the integration of SUPA graduates into the workforce, the ITF is collaborating with the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) to connect them with employment opportunities in various industries. Additionally, the ITF is developing a business incubation structure to support entrepreneurial ventures among SUPA graduates. These initiatives underscore the program’s commitment to providing sustainable pathways to employment and economic empowerment. The partnership with NECA offers a direct link to potential employers, increasing the chances of successful job placements. The business incubation structure further empowers graduates with the tools and resources needed to establish and grow their own businesses, fostering entrepreneurial spirit and contributing to job creation within the Nigerian economy. Dr. Ogun’s commitment to establishing SUPA as a viable alternative route to prosperity beyond formal education reflects the program’s potential to transform lives and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic development.
