No fewer than 100,000 trainees participating in the second phase of the Industrial Training Fund’s (ITF) Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) programme are set to sit for examinations nationwide on Wednesday, September 24.
The ITF’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the exams will be administered by the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN) and will assess participants’ proficiency in soft skills components of the SUPA curriculum.
The modules under evaluation include project management, occupational health and safety, and professional ethics—skills designed to enhance artisans’ readiness to meet international standards.
Ahead of the exams, ITF Director-General and Chief Executive, Dr. Afiz Ogun, said the programme aims to “train, certify, and license Nigerian artisans with internationally recognised credentials.”
He added, “Our goal is to build an indigenous workforce capable of competing with their global peers.”
Dr. Ogun highlighted that internationally accredited certifications under the SUPA programme are intended to reduce unemployment and address related socio-economic challenges by equipping artisans with marketable skills.
“The certification framework integrates globally recognised qualifications to enhance employability,” he said.
He also noted that ITF has secured approval from City and Guilds London as one of its select examination centres in Nigeria, allowing artisans to earn recognised certifications in various trades. According to Dr. Ogun, the Fund is in advanced discussions with ALBERK QA TECHNIC of Turkey and other international certification bodies to expand the range of credentials available to Nigerian artisans.
“These certifications, aligned with global standards, will enable our artisans to pursue job opportunities abroad, leveraging Nigeria’s youthful population and attracting foreign exchange to the country,” he said.
Shedding light on the SUPA certification process, Dr. Ogun explained that it is structured in three tiers: the Foundation phase, which assesses basic skills; SUPA I, focused on soft skills development culminating in the upcoming CIPMN examinations; and SUPA II, dedicated to advanced technical training.
He said successful trainees receive certifications that validate their skills for employment, international placements, or self-employment.
Dr. Ogun also commended the role of CIPMN in implementing the programme. “CIPMN has been a steadfast partner since the programme’s inception. We are confident that the examinations they will oversee will meet the high standards expected,” he said.
The SUPA initiative, launched by the ITF to bridge Nigeria’s skilled manpower gap, identifies, trains, and upskills both existing and aspiring artisans. It uses technology to assess skill levels and deliver targeted training. The programme’s second phase follows the pilot phase, which graduated 29,000 artisans in early 2024.
The upcoming examinations mark a key milestone in the programme as ITF works to expand opportunities for Nigerian artisans within the country and abroad.
