The Industrial Training Fund, ITF, has scheduled a total of 296 artisans, trained under its Skill Up Artisans, SUPA, initiative in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, for international certification examination.
The move, which marks the commencement of certification exercise for beneficiaries of the SUPA programme will feature artisans across more than 20 high-demand vocational and technical skills.
A statement by ITF’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor, described the exercise as another major milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to equip Nigerian artisans with globally competitive skills and internationally recognised certifications.
According to Ngor, the examination, which Alberk QA Technic of Turkey will supervise, is scheduled to hold from Monday, May 18 to Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Candidates vocational and technical skills will be tested in areas such as Fashion Design, Welding and Fabrication, Cyber Security, Automechanics, Tiling, Bricklaying, Painting and Decoration, Electrical and Electronics, Carpentry, and several other trades critical to Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.
Speaking ahead of the examination, the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, described the exercise as a significant 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,” the Director-General stated.
Ogun noted that the engagement of Alberk QA Technic further strengthens the credibility, transparency, and international acceptability of the certification process.
He recalled that some months ago, City & Guilds of London Institute, an internationally recognised certification body that had approved the ITF as an examination centre, conducted a mock certification examination for SUPA trainees as part of preparations for global certification standards.
According to him, these deliberate efforts are aimed at ensuring Nigerian artisans acquire internationally accepted certifications that will improve their employability, mobility, productivity, and earning potential both locally and internationally.
“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.
“Through SUPA, we are deliberately creating a new generation of highly skilled artisans that will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation,” he added.
The ITF DG further disclosed that following the exercise in the FCT, Alberk QA Technic would proceed to other states across the federation for the certification of additional batches of SUPA artisans.
Ogun reiterated the commitment of the Fund to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, and ensuring that Nigerian youths and artisans are equipped with industry-relevant skills required to drive productivity, entrepreneurship, and national prosperity.
