The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has commenced a nationwide screening of 225,000 practising artisans under its Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme to equip Nigerian artisans with globally competitive skills, internationally recognised certification and access to employment and business opportunities.
Its director-general and chief executive, Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, made the disclosure yesterday in an interaction with journalists during the screening in Jos, Plateau State.
Represented by the director of the Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department, Mrs Nancy Ndidiamaka Ekong, the ITF boss said the exercise was being conducted simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of efforts to implement President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by improving the livelihoods of skilled workers.
Ogunsaid the programme is specifically targeted at practising artisans and should not be mistaken for an empowerment scheme.
“This programme is not an empowerment programme. It is meant for practising artisans who already have skills. Whether you are a tailor, plumber, electrician or in any other trade, we are helping you improve your competence and become globally competitive,” she said.
He explained that while many Nigerian artisans possess technical skills, they often lack the professional work ethics, customer relations and aesthetic standards required to compete in today’s labour market.
“Our goal is to improve not only their technical competence but also their attitude to work and professionalism so they can compete favourably with artisans anywhere in the world,” Ogun added.
The DG further disclosed that the participants would undergo free training, stressing that the ITF would pay the master trainers while the beneficiaries would receive transportation stipends throughout the programme.
According to him, the training, which lasts three and a half months, also provides internationally recognised certification that would enhance the participants’ employability within and outside Nigeria.
Highlighting the programme’s benefits, he said successful participants would exit through three pathways: business incubation with technical and financial support; job placement with employers in Nigeria and opportunities for overseas employment where skilled artisans are in demand.
“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” Ogun said.
Reviewing the first phase of the programme, Ekong described it as a success, noting that the beneficiaries had completed both technical and soft skills training and were undergoing certification examinations.
According to her, the certification had been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted, adding that it would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.
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