By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to position Nigerian artisans and skilled workers for global opportunities with the commencement of international certification examinations for beneficiaries of the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme in the Federal Capital Territory.
The certification exercise, organised by the Industrial Training Fund, is part of ongoing efforts to equip Nigerian artisans with globally competitive skills and internationally recognised qualifications.
Nigerian artisans for global competitiveness
According to a statement issued on Thursday ahead of the exercise, Director-General of the Industrial Tanning Fund, ITF, Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, describes the examinations as a major step toward repositioning Nigerian artisans for global competitiveness and economic empowerment.
The statement, signed by Head of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor, quoted Ogun as saying the certification process would validate the skills acquired by the artisans and improve their employability, productivity, mobility, and earning potential both within and outside Nigeria.
Dr. Ogun noted that the involvement of Alberk QA Technic strengthens the credibility and international acceptance of the certification process.
The ITF boss also recalled that the City & Guilds of London Institute had earlier conducted a mock certification examination for SUPA trainees after approving the ITF as an examination centre.
“The era when artisanship was viewed as inferior is long gone. Technical and vocational skills are now major drivers of industrial growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development,” Ogun said.
He added that the certification exercise would be extended to other states across the federation as part of the government’s broader Technical and Vocational Education and Training agenda.
296 artisans
The examinations, supervised by Alberk QA Technic, will hold from May 18 to May 19, 2026.
A total of 296 artisans trained under the SUPA initiative in the FCT are expected to participate across more than 20 vocational and technical fields, including fashion design, welding and fabrication, cybersecurity, automechanics, tiling, electrical installation, carpentry, painting, and bricklaying.
