By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has commenced the screening of 15,000 artisans in Plateau State under the Federal Government’s Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), designed to equip Nigerians with vocational and technical skills for self-reliance and job creation.
The screening exercise, held at the ITF Vocational Training Centre in Jos, attracted thousands of applicants eager to participate in the nationwide empowerment initiative.
Speaking with journalists after addressing participants, ITF Director-General, Dr. Afiz Ogun, said the exercise was essential to verify the authenticity of applicants and ensure proper placement in suitable training centres.
“We want to screen the artisans physically because we do not know who they are or whether some applications were submitted by proxy,” Ogun explained.
He noted that the SUPA programme covers 24 trade areas, including information and communications technology, tailoring, plumbing, electrical installation, and hospitality.
According to Ogun, the initiative aims to empower Nigerians with relevant skills, take youths off the streets, and promote financial independence.
“For Plateau alone, we are screening 15,000 artisans. Our officers are deployed across all local governments, and similar exercises are ongoing in other states,” he stated.
The ITF boss also highlighted the shortage of standard training centres as a major challenge, calling on both government and private stakeholders to invest in modern facilities.
“We are not going to train artisans in shops or makeshift spaces. They will learn in state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the right tools because they will sit for internationally recognised certification exams,” he said.
He added that such certifications would enhance the employability and global competitiveness of Nigerian artisans.
Represented by the Director of Technical and Vocational Skills Training, Mrs. Nancy Ekong, Ogun appealed to state governments to establish at least three well-equipped training centres in their respective states to support the programme.
“If each state can provide at least three centres for key trades, it will make implementation easier and more effective,” Ekong said.
The Skill-Up Artisans Programme is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader initiative to empower Nigerians through technical and vocational education, reduce unemployment, and drive inclusive economic growth.
