Director-General of the ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun
By Felix Khanoba
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is set to launch a Business Incubation Programme for graduates of its Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme, in a move aimed at transforming skilled artisans into business owners and employers of labour across Nigeria.
The initiative, according to the ITF, is designed to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and enterprise development by equipping selected artisans with entrepreneurship training, mentorship, business support services, market access and start-up tools needed to build sustainable businesses.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations Unit of the ITF, Thomas Ngor, the Fund said the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s drive for skills development, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship promotion and inclusive economic growth.
The statement explained that beneficiaries would undergo comprehensive entrepreneurship and business management training, including the internationally recognised Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Programme.
Participants will also receive support with certification and licensing processes to improve their professional standing and competitiveness in the marketplace.
Under the incubation framework, selected beneficiaries will be provided with tools, equipment and start-up support packages under defined participation and repayment arrangements aimed at promoting ownership, accountability and long-term sustainability.
Speaking on the initiative, the Director-General of the ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, described the programme as a strategic intervention designed to help artisans transition from skilled workers to successful entrepreneurs.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond vocational training by creating a structured pathway for artisans to establish businesses and contribute to national economic development.
“The ITF Business Incubation Programme for SUPA Artisans is designed to ensure that the skills acquired through the SUPA Programme translate into sustainable livelihoods, thriving enterprises, and increased economic opportunities for Nigerian youths. Our goal is to nurture a new generation of artisans who will drive MSME growth, create jobs, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrial development,” Ogun said.
The launch is expected to attract key government officials and stakeholders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and Senator John Owan Enoh, Special Adviser to the President on MSMEs Tola Johnson, Director-General of SMEDAN Charles Odili, development partners, financial institutions, artisan associations and members of the National MSME Council.
According to the ITF, the event will provide a platform to unveil the programme’s framework, implementation strategy, expected impact and support mechanisms available to beneficiaries, while also showcasing selected participants.
The Fund further disclosed that a robust monitoring, supervision and evaluation system would be deployed to ensure accountability and long-term success. Beneficiary businesses will be monitored regularly, while impact assessments will be conducted over a five-year period to track enterprise sustainability, job creation, youth empowerment outcomes and contributions to national economic growth.
The ITF expressed confidence that the programme would lead to the establishment of sustainable artisan-owned businesses, create employment opportunities, accelerate the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), improve business survival rates among SUPA graduates and support Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.
