The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has commenced international certification examinations for beneficiaries of the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme in Abuja.
This is part of efforts to equip Nigeria artisans with globally competitive skills and internationally recognised qualifications.
The examinations, supervised by Alberk QA Technic, are scheduled to hold from May 18 to May 19, 2026.
A total of 296 artisans trained under the SUPA initiative in the Federal Capital Territory will participate in the certification exercise across more than 20 vocational and technical trades, including Fashion Design, Welding and Fabrication, Cyber Security, Automechanics, Tiling, Bricklaying, Painting and Decoration, Electrical and Electronics, and Carpentry.
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Director-General of the ITF, Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, described the examination as a major step toward enhancing the global competitiveness and economic empowerment of Nigerian artisans.
“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,” Ogun said.
He noted that the involvement of Alberk QA Technic would strengthen the credibility, transparency, and global acceptance of the certification process.
The ITF Director-General recalled that the City & Guilds of London Institute had earlier approved the Fund as an examination centre and conducted a mock certification examination for SUPA trainees as part of preparations for international certification standards.
According to him, the initiative is designed to ensure that Nigerian artisans obtain globally recognised certifications capable of improving their employability, productivity, mobility, and earning capacity both within and outside Nigeria.
“The era when artisanship was viewed as inferior is long gone. Today, technical and vocational skills are among the strongest drivers of industrial growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development,” Ogun stated.
He said that the SUPA initiative was focused on building a new generation of highly skilled artisans to support Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.
“Through SUPA, we are deliberately creating a new generation of highly skilled artisans that will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation,” he said.
Ogun further disclosed that following the Federal Capital Territory exercise, Alberk QA Technic will continue the certification programme in other states across the federation for additional batches of SUPA trainees.
The ITF boss reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Nigeria and ensuring that young people and artisans acquire industry-relevant skills needed to drive entrepreneurship, productivity, and national prosperity.
