296 FCT artisans set for international certification

No fewer than 296 artisans trained under the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme of the Industrial Training Fund in the Federal Capital Territory are set to participate in certification examinations as part of efforts by the Federal Government to equip Nigerian artisans with globally competitive skills and internationally recognised certifications.

According to a statement signed by the ITF Head of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor, the artisans will take part in examinations covering more than 20 high-demand vocational and technical skills.

The statement added that the certification exercise would be supervised by Alberk QA Technic.

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Speaking ahead of the examination scheduled to hold from May 18 to 20, 2026, the Director-General of the ITF, Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, described the exercise as a major step towards repositioning Nigerian artisans for global competitiveness and economic empowerment.

“This certification exercise, conducted under the rigorous standards of Alberk QA Technic, will validate the skills acquired by the artisans and provide them with internationally recognised certification,” Ogun stated.

He noted that the engagement of the Turkish certification firm would further strengthen the credibility, transparency, and global acceptability of the certification process.

The ITF Director-General also recalled that the City & Guilds of London Institute had earlier conducted a mock certification examination for SUPA trainees after approving the ITF as an examination centre.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at ensuring Nigerian artisans obtain internationally recognised certifications capable of improving their employability, productivity, mobility, and earning capacity both within and outside the country.

“The era when artisanship was viewed as inferior is long gone. Today, technical and vocational skills are among the strongest drivers of industrial growth, innovation, entrepreneurship and national development,” he said.

He added that through the SUPA programme, the government is intentionally building a new generation of highly skilled artisans to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Dr. Ogun further disclosed that after the FCT exercise, Alberk QA Technic would move to other states across the federation for the certification of additional batches of SUPA artisans.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the ITF to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and equipping Nigerian youths and artisans with industry-relevant skills needed to drive productivity, entrepreneurship, and national prosperity.