By Felix Khanoba
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has launched the international certification examination for beneficiaries of the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in a move aimed at strengthening the Federal Government’s efforts to produce globally competitive Nigerian artisans.
The certification exercise, supervised by Turkey-based Alberk QA Technic, is scheduled to take place from Monday, May 18 to Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Head of Press and Public Relations Unit of ITF, Thomas Ngor, disclosed that 296 artisans trained under the SUPA initiative in the FCT would participate in the examination.
The candidates are expected to be assessed in more than 20 vocational and technical trades considered vital to Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth. The areas include Fashion Design, Welding and Fabrication, Cyber Security, Automechanics, Tiling, Bricklaying, Painting and Decoration, Electrical and Electronics, Carpentry, among others.
Speaking ahead of the examination, the Director-General of ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, said the exercise represents a major step in preparing Nigerian artisans to compete effectively in the global labour market while enhancing economic opportunities for them.
“This certification exercise, conducted under the rigorous standards of Alberk QA Technic, will validate the skills acquired by the artisans and provide them with internationally recognised certification,” the Director-General stated.
Dr. Ogun explained that the involvement of Alberk QA Technic would further enhance the credibility, transparency and global acceptance of the certification process.
He recalled that City & Guilds of London Institute, an internationally recognised certification organisation that approved ITF as an examination centre, had earlier conducted a mock certification examination for SUPA trainees as part of preparations for the international certification process.
According to him, the initiative is designed to ensure that Nigerian artisans obtain globally recognised certifications capable of boosting their employability, productivity, mobility and earning capacity 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 added.
The ITF Director-General also revealed that following the FCT exercise, Alberk QA Technic would continue the certification exercise in other states across the federation for additional batches of SUPA artisans.
He reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and equipping Nigerian youths and artisans with industry-relevant skills needed to promote productivity, entrepreneurship and national development.
