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By Chukwuma Umeorah
TO enhance the skills and professionalism of Nigerian artisans, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has partnered with the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) to launch an initiative to provide special certification for Nigerian artisans. This initiative is part of the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) program, aimed at elevating the skills and professionalism of artisans across the country.
Director General of ITF, Dr. Afiz Ogun, at a seminar in Lagos emphasised the importance of this collaboration, stating that it addresses the critical need for skilled artisans in Nigeria’s informal sector, which contributes approximately 60 per cent to the nation’s GDP. According to him, “The SUPA program aims to upskill artisans and certify them to international standards, covering 20 trade areas including plumbing, masonry, and ICT.”
Explaining the importance of the collaboration, he added, “This vision, strategized by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and delivered by the ITF, aims to turn Nigeria in the right direction.”
He explained that the project management element will equip artisans to manage projects efficiently, improving service quality and boosting income potential.
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Highlighting the current development, he started that “The program has registered over 522,000 artisans, with a significant number hailing from the North-West region. Training will occur in phases, focusing on foundational skills, project management, and advanced technical expertise.”
In his address, the Registrar CIPMN, Henry Mbadiwe emphasized the relevance of project management skills, explaining that it instills professionalism and national pride among artisans, transforming them into ambassadors of Nigeria’s skilled workforce. “Think of a mechanic working on your vehicle or a tailor making an outfit for you. This certification ensures they deliver on time and to expected quality,” he added.
Mbadiwe said that the initiative also partners with privately owned training centers to achieve its goal of skilling up 10 million artisans annually. “Currently, 826 training centers have been enlisted to deliver comprehensive training programs.”
He reaffirmed that the ITF and CIPMN was dedicated to transforming Nigeria’s artisanry landscape, preparing artisans for local and international opportunities, and reducing the dependency on foreign expertise.
