By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has unveiled plans to train and upgrade at least 100,000 Nigerian artisans in 2025 under the “Skill Up Artisan Super” programme, a flagship initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking after a tour of training centres in Jos, ITF Director-General, Dr. Afiz Oluewatoyin Ogun, said the programme is designed to eradicate quackery, restore dignity to skilled trades, and raise artisans to global standards in plumbing, masonry, tailoring, bricklaying, auto mechanics, electrical works, and other fields.
He noted that most Nigerian artisans lose out to foreign counterparts because of skill gaps, stressing that the initiative will make local craftsmen globally competitive, improve their income, and support the informal economy, which employs millions.
The Director-General also announced the introduction of the ITF Model School’s Dual Education System, scheduled to begin in September. He explained that normal classroom activities for ITF students will end by 1:30 p.m., after which buses will convey them to the ITF Model School Skills Academy for vocational training in areas such as tailoring, embroidery, welding, culinary skills, and ICT.
According to him, students will undergo daily training during the week and extended sessions on weekends and holidays. The two-year programme will culminate in internationally recognized certification exams.
“Despite their age, these certifications will qualify them to work anywhere in the world,” he said, adding that determined students will have businesses incubated for them before university admission, while both students and interested parents will also receive entrepreneurship training.
Dr. Ogun emphasized that participation is voluntary and that parents unwilling to enroll their children will be respected. He noted that, alongside WAEC and NECO, students will obtain certifications from international bodies such as City and Guilds.
The initiative will begin with JSS1 and SS1 students, with each level running for two years. During exam periods, vocational classes may be suspended for students focusing on their academics.
The ITF boss said the system will be expanded across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and later to state levels. He stressed that it is a holistic approach to prepare students for academic excellence and practical life skills.
“We are starting with ITF Staff School students in JSS1 and SS1. Certified trainers across the country will be brought to Jos, retrained, and only the best will be selected to teach. Importantly, students will not pay a single penny as this is a fully government-funded programme,” he said.
