Under its Skill Up Artisans programs, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has started screening 225,000 active artisans nationwide. This is a Federal Government initiative that aims to provide Nigerian tradesmen with globally competitive skills, internationally recognized certification, and access to business and employment opportunities. While overseeing the screening process for thousands of participants in Plateau State on Tuesday, Mrs. Nancy Ekong, Director of the ITF's Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department, revealed this in Jos.
She claims that the operation is being carried out concurrently in all 36 states as well as the Federal Capital Territory in an attempt to improve the livelihoods of skilled workers and carry out President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. She clarified that although many Nigerian craftspeople are technically skilled, there are still gaps in their professionalism and ability to provide services.
According to the ITF official, the three-and-a-half-month training will be provided at no cost, and beneficiaries will get transportation stipends, and master trainers will be paid by the fund. To increase participants' employment in Nigeria and beyond, she stated that the program would conclude with an internationally recognized certification.
Mrs. Ekong highlighted exit prospects and stated that three routes would be used to channel successful artists. She reviewed the pilot program and called it a success, noting that recipients had finished training in both soft and technical skills and were now taking certification exams. She stated that the majority of artisans taught during the pilot phase were tailors.
Mrs. Ekong expressed optimism that SUPA would develop sustainable livelihoods and bolster Nigeria's skilled labor force.
