The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) under the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA), said 100,000 trainees are participating in the second phase of its nationwide examinations.

The director-general and chief executive of the ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, in a press statement issued  Wednesday in Abuja stated that the examinations to be administered by the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN), will evaluate trainees’ proficiency in the soft skills components of the SUPA curriculum, including project management, occupational health and safety, and professional ethics, key modules that are designed to enhance artisans’ capabilities to meet global standards.

Ogun reaffirmed the fund’s commitment to training, certifying, and licensing Nigerian artisans with internationally recognised credentials.

He said their goal is to build an indigenous workforce capable of competing with their global peers.

He added that internationally accredited certifications will reduce unemployment and address related socio-economic challenges by equipping artisans with marketable skills.

Dr. Ogun highlighted the SUPA programme’s certification framework, which integrates globally recognised qualifications to enhance employability of trainees.

He added that apart from securing approval from City & Guilds London (UK) as one of its select examination centres in Nigeria, enabling artisans to earn prestigious certifications in various trades, the ITF is in advanced discussions with ALBERK QA TECHNIC of Turkey, and other international certification bodies to expand the range of credentials available.