ITF launches new phase to train 100,000 Artisans, boost employment 

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has finalized arrangements to enroll an additional 100,000 participants in the next phase of its Skill Up Artisans Program (SUPA).

Speaking on the initiative, ITF Director-General, Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun, highlighted the programme’s impact in addressing Nigeria’s skilled labor gap and described SUPA as ITF’s most impactful intervention in its 54-year history.

According to him, the initiative aims to train and upskill artisans, expose them to international certification, and connect them to employment opportunities both locally and internationally.

He explained that the SUPA programme is structured into three phases: Foundation, SUPA-1, and SUPA-2.

The Foundation Phase focuses on introductory training.

SUPA-1 offers soft skills training, including certifications in Artisan Project Management, Artisan Health and Safety, and Artisan Ethics and Patriotism.

SUPA-2 provides advanced technical and entrepreneurial training, along with certification exams from international bodies.

The upcoming phase will include the 29,000 artisans who have completed the Foundation Phase, with formal admission letters to be sent out soon.

The full list of the 100,000 selected trainees will be available on the SUPA and ITF websites.

Training for Phase 1 will last approximately 6 to 8 weeks and will conclude with a certification examination at no cost to participants.

According to him, all successful candidates will progress to SUPA Phase II for specialized technical training and further certification.

Dr. Ogun also announced ITF’s plan to launch another round of assessments to increase the number of training centers from 800 to at least 1,500. This expansion will be done in collaboration with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) to help connect graduates with job opportunities.

He added that the agency is also finalizing structures for business incubation under SUPA, which will be tested through other special projects. He emphasized that SUPA is a key strategy to bridge Nigeria’s manpower gap and promote alternative pathways to prosperity.