At least 100,000 artisans participating in the second phase of the Industrial Training Fund’s (ITF) flagship Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA) will take their certification examinations on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
The examinations, which will be conducted nationwide by the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN), mark a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to build a globally competitive workforce. They will assess trainees on core soft skills including project management, occupational health and safety, and professional ethics critical competencies designed to prepare artisans for opportunities both locally and abroad.
ITF’s Director-General, Dr. Afiz Ogun, said the Fund is determined to train, certify, and license Nigerian artisans with internationally recognised qualifications. “Our goal is to build an indigenous workforce capable of competing with their global peers,” he said, adding that the certifications will help reduce unemployment and address socio-economic challenges by equipping Nigerians with market-ready skills.
The SUPA certification system integrates globally recognised qualifications to enhance employability. ITF has already secured approval from City and Guilds London as one of its examination partners, allowing artisans to earn respected credentials in various trades. Discussions are also ongoing with ALBERK QA TECHNIC of Turkey and other international bodies to expand the certification options available.
According to Ogun, these globally aligned credentials will open up overseas employment opportunities for Nigerian artisans. By leveraging the country’s youthful population of more than 70 million, he said, Nigeria can export skilled labour and attract foreign exchange, turning human capital into an economic asset.
The Skill-Up Artisans Programme follows a three-tiered training structure: the Foundation phase focuses on basic skills assessment; SUPA I develops essential soft skills, culminating in the CIPMN-administered exams; and SUPA II offers advanced technical training. Graduates of the full programme receive certifications that validate their skills for direct employment, international placements, or entrepreneurship.
Ogun praised CIPMN for its long-term partnership and its role in maintaining the programme’s standards. “CIPMN has been a steadfast partner since the programme’s inception. We are confident that the examinations they will oversee will meet the high standards expected,” he said.
The SUPA initiative was created to close Nigeria’s skilled manpower gap by identifying, training, and upskilling existing and aspiring artisans. It also integrates technology into the training process to assess skill levels and deliver targeted instruction.
The programme began enrolling its second cohort in March, following the successful completion of a pilot phase that graduated 29,000 artisans in early 2024.
For many participants, the September 24 examinations represent more than just a test,they are a gateway to better employment opportunities, self-reliance, and participation in the global labour market. As Nigeria pushes to turn its vast youth population into an engine of growth, initiatives like SUPA are becoming central to the country’s economic strategy.
