A total of 100,000 artisans enrolled in the second phase of the Industrial Training Fund’s, ITF, Skill-Up Artisans, SUPA, programme will sit for examinations on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
ITF’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor, said in a statement on Tuesday, that the assessment will be conducted by the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria, CIPMN.
Ngor noted that the examination will test trainees’ competence in core soft-skill modules such as project management, occupational health and safety, and professional ethics, key areas designed to prepare artisans for global competitiveness.
Speaking on ITF’s commitment to producing a world-class workforce, the Director-General of the Fund, Dr. Afiz Ogun, said the Fund is determined to train, certify, and license Nigerian artisans with internationally recognized qualifications.
“Our mission is to build an indigenous workforce that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with peers anywhere in the world,” he said.
He said the certification drive is aimed at tackling unemployment and related social challenges by equipping artisans with marketable skills.
Ogun noted that the SUPA programme’s certification framework, which integrates globally recognized qualifications to enhance employability of trainees.
According to him, apart from securing approval from City & Guilds London, UK, 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 attract foreign exchange to the country .
Speaking further on the SUPA certification process, 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 that have completed the process, receive certifications that validate their skills for direct employment, international placements, or self-employment.
While commending CIPMN for its role in the programme, Ogun noted: “CIPMN has been a consistent partner since SUPA began, and we are confident that the examinations they are administering will reflect the quality we envisage.”
