At least 100,000 trainees who are participating in the second phase of the Industrial Training Fund’s Skill-Up Artisans programme nationwide will sit for examinations on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
ITF’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday the examinations, to be administered by the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria, will evaluate trainees’ proficiency in the soft skills components of the SUPA curriculum, including project management, occupational health and safety, and professional ethics; key modules that are designed to enhance artisans’ capabilities to meet global standards.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming examinations, the Director-General and Chief Executive of the ITF, Dr Afiz Ogun, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to training, certifying, and licensing Nigerian artisans with internationally recognised credentials. “Our goal is to build an indigenous workforce capable of competing with their global peers,” Dr Ogun stated.
He emphasised that internationally accredited certifications will reduce unemployment and address related socio-economic challenges by equipping artisans with marketable skills.
The DG highlighted the SUPA programme’s certification framework, which integrates globally recognised qualifications to enhance the employability of trainees.
He disclosed that apart from securing approval from City and Guilds London as one of its select examination centres in Nigeria, enabling artisans to earn prestigious certifications in various trades, the ITF is in advanced discussions with ALBERK QA TECHNIC of Turkey, and other international certification bodies to expand the range of credentials available.
The DG added that these certifications, aligned with global standards, will enable Nigerian artisans to pursue job opportunities abroad, leveraging Nigeria’s youthful population of over 70 million to export skilled labour, thereby attracting foreign exchange to the country.
Shedding light on the SUPA certification process, Dr Ogun said it involves a three-tiered training structure: the Foundation phase for basic skills assessment, SUPA I for soft skills development (culminating in the upcoming CIPMN exams), and SUPA II for advanced technical training.
He noted that successful trainees who have completed the process receive certifications that validate their skills for direct employment, international placements, or self-employment.
Ogun commended the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria(CIPMN), Abuja, for its pivotal role in implementing the SUPA programme. “CIPMN has been a steadfast partner since the program’s inception. We are confident that the examinations they will oversee will meet the high standards expected,” he noted.
The Industrial Training Fund, in March, commenced enrolment for the next batch of artisans and trainees under the second phase of its Skill-Up Artisans Programme.
This came after the successful completion of the pilot phase, which graduated 29,000 artisans in early 2024.
The SUPA initiative was designed to bridge Nigeria’s skilled manpower gap by identifying, training, and upskilling both existing and aspiring artisans. It also leveraged technology to assess skill levels and deliver targeted training.
