ITF directs artisan trainers to imbibe local languages, pidgin English to enhance trainees’ understanding

The Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun, has directed trainers handling artisans at its Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) programme at various centres in Jos, the Plateau State capital, to use local languages and pidgin English to enhance trainees’ understanding.

Dr Ogun gave the directive while inspecting various training centres in Plateau State and also disclosed that the new ITF Model School Skill Academy will commence this September.

He pointed out that the Model School Skill Academy by the Fund was aimed at fostering and inspiring young Nigerians in skills development, adding that the idea was consistent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goal of promoting both formal education and skill acquisition to boost the economy.

He noted that the Academy will begin with the ITF Model School, Jos, where interested students, with their parents’ consent, will learn skills for two hours per day and three hours at weekends.

Dr Ogun declared, “The Academy will begin in September. The regular school will conclude at 1:30 pm, and the students will be transported to this location by our bus for two hours to learn one skill or the other, and three hours at weekends. At the moment, it is intended for students in JSS 1 and SSS 1.”

The Director-General further mentioned that the training will last two years, after which they will take international examinations such as those conducted by City and Guilds, London, and other related bodies to become internationally certified.

“We will carry their parents along; this is not a case or issue of child labour. When you visit countries like China, this is how they raise their children. We are not discouraging formal education; in the end, they would take both the international test and WAEC and NECO,” he said.

Dr Ogun, who stated that the Academy will be replicated in the six geo-political zones of the country, added that before the students begin their training, they would receive career guidance from professionals and academics.

He also disapproved of the situation in which Nigerian craftsmen travelled overseas without international certification, claiming that this sometimes undervalued them regardless of their competence in their respective fields.

He explained that the Industrial Training Fund’s Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) encourages the use of standardisation methods and practices, which are critical for operating in international markets, and that those in training are also being taught patriotism and professional ethics, which will help them stand out wherever they go after training.

“We are not relenting in line with the mandate handed to us by the President. Right now, the programme is leading to international certification, where plumbers, welders and tailors, among others, have international certificates that no one can look down on anywhere in the world. Wherever they go, especially outside the country, artisans have a unique character of sending money back home; we are encouraging them to boost their skills.

“To achieve this, there are foreign-certified bodies for the Industrial Training Fund’s Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA). These include City & Guilds of London, Q&A Technics, and a few others. And ITF has been approved as an examination centre by City & Guilds to administer their international certification for Nigerian artisans, facilitating talent export and local employment.

“So with this, the Federal Government is empowering artisans with tech-driven training, official licensing, and access to essential toolkits, while promoting industrial standards to elevate skills, enhance craftsmanship, and drive professional excellence across sectors.”

He therefore added that the idea of the certification was to transform Nigeria into a major exporter of skilled manpower, thereby boosting the nation’s foreign exchange.

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