About 100,000 trainees participating in the second phase of the Industrial Training Fund’s Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) programme nationwide will sit for examinations on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
A statement issued in Jos by the Head of the Press and Public Relations Unit, Thomas Ngor, said the examinations would be administered by the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN).
According to him, it will evaluate trainees’ proficiency in the soft skills components of the SUPA curriculum, including project management, occupational health and safety, and professional ethics—key modules designed to enhance artisans’ capabilities to meet global standards.
The Director-General and Chief Executive of the ITF, Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to training, certifying, and licensing Nigerian artisans with internationally recognised credentials.
“Our goal is to build an indigenous workforce capable of competing with their global peers,” Dr Ogun stated.
He emphasised that internationally accredited certifications would reduce unemployment and address related socio-economic challenges by equipping artisans with marketable skills.
Dr Ogun highlighted the SUPA programme’s certification framework, integrating globally recognised qualifications to enhance trainees’ employability.
He disclosed that apart from securing approval from City & Guilds London (UK) as one of its select examination centres in Nigeria, it would enable artisans to earn prestigious certifications in various trades.
The DG added that ITF is in advanced discussions with ALBERK QA TECHNIC of Turkey and other international certification bodies to expand the range of credentials available.
The DG added that these certifications, aligned with global standards, will enable Nigerian artisans to pursue job opportunities abroad, leveraging Nigeria’s youthful population of over 70 million to export skilled labour, thereby attracting foreign exchange.
Shedding light on the SUPA certification process, Dr Ogun said it involves a three-tiered training structure: the Foundation phase for basic skills assessment, SUPA I for soft skills development (culminating in the upcoming CIPMN exams), and SUPA II for advanced technical training.
He noted that successful trainees who have completed the process receive certifications that validate their skills for direct employment, international placements, or self-employment.
Dr Ogun commended the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN), Abuja, for its pivotal role in implementing the SUPA programme. “CIPMN has been a steadfast partner since the program’s inception.
He noted that they are confident that the examinations they oversee will meet the expected high standards.
