No fewer than 100,000 artisans across Nigeria will today (Wednesday) participate in the second phase examinations of the Industrial Training Fund’s (ITF) Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA).
The Head of Press and Public Relations at ITF, Thomas Ngor, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the tests will be conducted by the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN).
The exams will evaluate trainees in essential soft skills such as project management, occupational health and safety, and professional ethics—modules designed to enhance their global competitiveness.
ITF’s Director-General, Dr. Afiz Ogun, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to producing a globally recognised, certified, and licensed artisan workforce.
“Our goal is to build an indigenous workforce capable of competing with their global peers,” Ogun said, stressing that internationally accredited certifications would not only reduce unemployment but also address wider socio-economic challenges.
He added that SUPA integrates global certification frameworks to boost artisans’ employability and open international opportunities.
Beyond the CIPMN-administered exams, ITF has also secured approval from City and Guilds, London, making it one of the body’s select examination centres in Nigeria. In addition, the Fund is in advanced discussions with ALBERK QA TECHNIC of Turkey and other international bodies to further expand certification pathways.
“These certifications, aligned with global standards, will allow Nigerian artisans to work abroad and enable the country to harness its youthful population of over 70 million to export skilled labour and attract foreign exchange,” Ogun noted.
He explained that SUPA operates on a three-tier training structure:
Foundation Phase for basic skills assessment,
SUPA I for soft skills development (culminating in today’s CIPMN exams), and
SUPA II for advanced technical training.
Successful candidates will earn certifications that validate their expertise for direct employment, international placements, or self-employment.
Ogun also praised CIPMN for its role in delivering the programme, saying:
“CIPMN has been a steadfast partner since the programme’s inception, and we are confident that these examinations will meet the highest professional standards.”
