The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has commenced the certification examination for beneficiaries of the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to equip Nigerian artisans with globally competitive skills and internationally recognised certifications.

The examination, supervised by Alberk QA Technic of Turkey, is scheduled to be held today and tomorrow.

In a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations of ITF, Mr Thomas Ngor, the Fund disclosed that 296 artisans trained under the SUPA initiative in the FCT would participate in the exercise across more than 20 vocational and technical trades.

The trades include fashion design, welding and fabrication, cyber security, automechanics, tiling, bricklaying, painting and decoration, electrical and electronics, and carpentry, among others, considered critical to Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.

Speaking ahead of the examination, the Director-General of ITF, Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, described the exercise as a major step towards repositioning Nigerian artisans for global competitiveness and economic empowerment.

“This certification exercise, conducted under the rigorous standards of Alberk QA Technic, will validate the skills acquired by the artisans and provide them with internationally recognised certification,” he said.

Ogun stated that the engagement of Alberk QA Technic would further strengthen the credibility, transparency and international acceptability of the certification process.

He recalled that the City & Guilds of London Institute, which approved ITF as an examination centre, had earlier conducted a mock certification examination for SUPA trainees as part of preparations for global certification standards.

According to him, the efforts are aimed at ensuring Nigerian artisans acquire internationally accepted certifications capable of improving their employability, mobility, productivity and earning potential both within and outside the country.