ITF Launches Global Certification for Nigerian Artisans via SUPA
Jos Afrik24 – The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has officially kicked off certification examinations for beneficiaries of the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme within the Federal Capital Territory.
The initiative represents a primary pillar of the Federal Government’s strategy to professionalize the local workforce by equipping Nigerian artisans with skills that meet global benchmarks.
By providing access to internationally recognized credentials, the program aims to bridge the gap between local talent and global industry requirements, our correspondent reports.
Scheduled to take place between Monday, May 18, and Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the assessment process is being conducted under the strict supervision of Alberk QA Technic of Turkey, a statement sent to our correspondent said.
“A diverse group of 296 artisans will participate in the exercise, covering over 20 high-demand technical fields including Cyber Security, Welding and Fabrication, Automechanics, Fashion Design, and Carpentry”, the Fund informed.
“These trades are considered vital components for the ongoing industrial and economic expansion of the country”, the statement continued.
Thomas Ngor, the ITF Head of Press and Public Relations, noted that this phase of the SUPA initiative follows a rigorous preparation period designed to ensure the highest standards of excellence.
The involvement of an international body like Alberk QA Technic is intended to boost the transparency and credibility of the results, ensuring that the certificates awarded is weighty in foreign markets.
“This follows a successful mock examination previously conducted by the City & Guilds of London Institute, which helped establish the ITF as a verified examination center”, Ngor said
Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, Director-General of the ITF, however, emphasized that the exercise is a decisive move toward economic empowerment.
He remarked that the era of viewing artisanship as an inferior career path is over, as technical skills are now the primary drivers of innovation and national development.
By validating these skills through formal testing, the Fund is effectively increasing the mobility and earning potential of Nigerian workers, the DG said.
Looking ahead, the ITF confirmed that the FCT examinations are just the beginning of a nationwide rollout.
Alberk QA Technic is expected to move across various states to certify additional batches of trainees in the coming weeks.
The Fund remains dedicated to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure that the next generation of Nigerian artisans is prepared to lead the nation’s industrial transformation, the statement added.
