The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has concluded plans for the international certification examinations for 296 artisans in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under its Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme.
Speaking ahead of the commencement of the examination on Thursday in Abuja, Dr Afiz Ogun, Director-General, ITF, described the exercise as a significant step to repositioning Nigerian artisans for global competitiveness and economic empowerment.
Ogun said that the exercise would be another major milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to equip Nigerian artisans with globally competitive skills and internationally recognised certifications.
He said that the extermination scheduled to hold between May 18 and 19 would be supervised by Alberk QA Technic of Turkey.
According to him, a total of 296 artisans trained under the SUPA initiative in the FCT will participate across more than 20 high-demand vocational and technical skills, including Fashion Design, Welding and Fabrication.
“Also, those trained in Cyber Security, Automechanics, Tiling, Bricklaying, Painting and Decoration, Electrical and Electronics, Carpentry, and several other trades critical to Nigeria’s industrial and economic development will participate.
“This certification exercise will validate the skills acquired by the artisans and provide them with internationally recognised certification.”
The director-general explained that the engagement of Alberk QA Technic would strengthen the credibility, transparency, and international acceptability of the certification process.
He recalled that some months ago, City and Guilds of London Institute, an internationally recognised certification body approved the ITF as an examination centre.
He added that the institute conducted a mock certification examination for SUPA trainees as part of preparations for global certification standards.
“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 is 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 said.
Ogun added 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.
He reiterated the commitment of the fund to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
He also said that the IFT would ensure that Nigerian youths and artisans were equipped with industry-relevant skills required to drive productivity, entrepreneurship, and national prosperity.(NAN)
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