FG spends N700m to certify 7,000 Nigerian artisans

The Nigerian government, through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has allocated more than 700 million naira to facilitate the international certification of over 7,000 Nigerian artisans. This effort is part of the Federal Government's Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) program, designed to elevate the skills and qualifications of local craftspeople.

Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, the Director-General and CEO of ITF, announced this during the monitoring of an ongoing international certification examination in Jos, Plateau State. The examination is being held across 27 states and 28 centers, representing a significant expansion of the SUPA program's certification component following a successful pilot in Abuja that involved over 200 artisans.

"We promised Nigerians that Nigerian artisans will have an opportunity to have a bouquet of certification," Ogun stated. He emphasized that the initiative aims to change the perception of Nigerian artisans by providing them with internationally recognized qualifications. This, he believes, will enable them to compete effectively for job and business opportunities both within Nigeria and abroad. The Federal Government is committed to ensuring Nigerian artisans are not disadvantaged in the global labor market due to a lack of recognized certification.

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We promised Nigerians that Nigerian artisans will have an opportunity to have a bouquet of certification.

The program ensures beneficiaries retain Nigeria’s National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) certification alongside international credentials, which is expected to significantly boost their credibility and mobility. Ogun also noted the program's role in addressing the increasing presence of foreign artisans in Nigeria. He explained that workers from smaller nations are often taking advantage of opportunities in Nigeria due to their skills and certifications, and the solution is to ensure Nigerian artisans are equally, if not more, qualified.

Ogun clarified that the current beneficiaries are genuine practicing artisans who have undergone screening, differentiating the program from those offering mere stipends. Applicants were rejected if they could not prove they were active practitioners. "We are scaling up Nigerian artisans to international standard. We are not just bringing in artisans. We are trying to separate the quacks from those who are properly trained and make them better," he said. Beyond technical skills, artisans are trained in occupational ethics, industrial safety, project management, and patriotism, recognizing that technical competence alone is insufficient without professionalism. This initiative is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's human capital development agenda, with plans for further batches of artisans to be included.

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We are scaling up Nigerian artisans to international standard. We are not just bringing in artisans. We are trying to separate the quacks from those who are properly trained and make them better.