ITF begins international certification exams for 296 SUPA artisans in the FCT as Nigeria pushes for globally recognised vocational skills.

By our Correspondent

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has commenced certification examinations for beneficiaries of the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme in the Federal Capital Territory, marking another milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to equip Nigerian artisans with globally competitive skills and internationally recognised certifications.

The examination, supervised by Alberk QA Technic of Turkey, is scheduled to hold from Monday, May 18 to Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
A total of 296 artisans trained under the SUPA initiative in the FCT will participate in the exercise across more than 20 high-demand vocational and technical fields. The trades include Fashion Design, Welding and Fabrication, Cyber Security, Automechanics, Tiling, Bricklaying, Painting and Decoration, Electrical and Electronics, Carpentry, among several others considered critical to Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.
Speaking ahead of the examination, the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, described the exercise as a major step towards repositioning Nigerian artisans for global competitiveness and economic empowerment.
According to him, the certification process, conducted under the standards of Alberk QA Technic, will validate the skills acquired by the artisans and provide them with internationally recognised certification.
Dr. Ogun explained that the involvement of Alberk QA Technic would further strengthen the credibility, transparency, and international acceptance of the certification process. He recalled that the City & Guilds of London Institute, which had earlier approved ITF as an examination centre, previously conducted a mock certification examination for SUPA trainees in preparation for global certification standards.
He noted that the initiative is designed to ensure Nigerian artisans acquire internationally accepted certifications capable of improving their employability, productivity, mobility, and earning potential both within and outside the country.
“The era when artisanship was 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.
The ITF Director-General further disclosed that after the FCT exercise, Alberk QA Technic would continue to other states across the federation to certify additional batches of SUPA artisans.
Dr. Ogun reaffirmed the commitment of the Fund to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) while ensuring Nigerian youths and artisans are equipped with industry-relevant skills needed to drive productivity, entrepreneurship, and national prosperity.