ITF trains over 200,000 Nigerians under ‘SUPA’ programme
The Industrial Training Fund, ITF has stated that so far about 200,000 Nigerians have benefitted from its Skills-Up Artisans (SUPA) programme Speaking in Abuja on Monday during the written pilot exams for artisans in the FCT, the Director, Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department of the Industrial Training Fund, Nancy Ndidi-Amaka Ekong said the programme […]
The Industrial Training Fund, ITF has stated that so far about 200,000 Nigerians have benefitted from its Skills-Up Artisans (SUPA) programme
Speaking in Abuja on Monday during the written pilot exams for artisans in the FCT, the Director, Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department of the Industrial Training Fund, Nancy Ndidi-Amaka Ekong said the programme was conceived to drive skills development in the country.
“From inception to date, we have been able to train over 200,000 artisans because this is something that has been ongoing from 2024, 2025 and so far we are also preparing for 2026. The major thing is that we want to upskill our artisans. Yes, we have artisans and they are doing a good job. But then you and I need to agree on the fact that our artisans do not have very good finishing, that is why they need to upskill,” she said.
Speaking on the examination, she noted that “The exam in FCT is just a pilot. After that, it will be cascaded to every other state of the Federation.”
Also speaking, the Director, Special Duties Office at the ITF said so far the programme has successfully trained youths in different trade areas, noting that the exams are being supervised by an international body from Turkey to subject the trainees to the international certification exam.
“296 trainees are participating in the pilot. And these are trainees within the FCT alone. The essence of the examination is for them to have improved certification in their various trades. What this will do to them is that, if you write an exam, for instance, under embroidery or auto mechanic, it means with this certificate, you can work with it in Europe or any part of the world,” he added.