By Peter Omopo
Abuja, September 23, 2025 — No fewer than 100,000 trainees enrolled in the Industrial Training Fund’s (ITF) Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA) are scheduled to sit for nationwide examinations on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
According to ITF’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor, the examinations will be conducted by the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN) and will test participants on soft skills modules, including project management, occupational health and safety, and professional ethics.
The Director-General and Chief Executive of ITF, Dr Afiz Ogun, said the assessments are designed to certify Nigerian artisans with globally recognised credentials.
“Our goal is to build an indigenous workforce capable of competing with their global peers. International certifications will reduce unemployment and open new opportunities for artisans both at home and abroad,” he stated.
Expanding Global Recognition
Dr Ogun revealed that ITF has secured approval from City and Guilds London as one of its accredited examination centres in Nigeria, while discussions are ongoing with ALBERK QA TECHNIC of Turkey and other international certification bodies. These partnerships, he said, will allow Nigerian artisans to obtain qualifications recognised across multiple countries.
“With over 70 million young people, Nigeria can leverage skilled labour not only for local development but also for global markets, thereby attracting foreign exchange,” the DG added.
SUPA Framework
The SUPA initiative adopts a three-tiered structure:
- Foundation Phase — basic skills assessment.
- SUPA I — soft skills development, culminating in the current CIPMN examinations.
- SUPA II — advanced technical training.
Graduates who successfully complete the stages receive certifications that validate them for direct employment, international placements, or self-employment.
Dr Ogun commended CIPMN for its role in implementing SUPA since inception, noting that its oversight of the examinations would ensure “the highest standards.”
Closing Nigeria’s Skills Gap
The ITF launched SUPA in 2024 after a pilot phase that graduated 29,000 artisans, with the goal of bridging Nigeria’s skilled manpower gap. The programme leverages technology to assess competencies and deliver targeted upskilling for both new entrants and practicing artisans.
Observers say Wednesday’s examinations mark a significant step in Nigeria’s drive to professionalise its artisan workforce and position them for global opportunities.
