The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has registered 522,778 artisans under its Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme, covering 20 trade areas.
This was disclosed by ITF director-general, Dr. Afiz Ogun, during a joint briefing with the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) on special certification for Nigerian artisans, trained under the SUPA programme in Abuja.
Dr. Ogun detailed the gender distribution of the registered artisans, with 319,467 being male and 203,309 female. Plateau State has the highest registration at 53,133, representing 10.17 per cent of the total, followed by Kano with 43,239 artisans, or 8.27 per cent of the total. Geopolitically, the North-West leads with 141,378 registered artisans, accounting for 27.04 per cent of the total, while the South-South has the least with 35,544, or 6.79 per cent.
“The ITF is currently in robust discussions with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to significantly increase registrations in the South-South region,” Dr. Ogun said.
He emphasised the importance of a well-developed curriculum in the success of skill-up programs. “ITF has created specialised curriculums for the Foundation Program across the 20 trade areas. For SUPA 1, CIPMN has developed the curriculum for Project Management certification, while Prime Atlantic is working on the Industrial Health and Safety curriculum. Additionally, ITF has internally developed the curriculum for Professional Ethics and Patriotism in collaboration with artisan organisations,” he added.
Dr. Ogun also highlighted future plans for SUPA 2, stating that the trainings are being designed to meet international standards. He said ITF facilities nationwide will be upgraded to serve as examination centers for certification exams conducted by partnering international awarding bodies.
Registrar of CIPMN, Mr. Henry Mbadiwe, during his briefing focusing on the kick-off of the project management element of the SUPA project, explained that the project management aspect of the SUPA program will equip artisans with essential skills such as risk management, planning, requirement specification, change management, and stakeholder management.
He explained that these project management concepts are intended to elevate the mindset and capabilities of artisans across Nigeria.
Mbadiwe also disclosed that CIPMN and ITF have jointly developed two curricula for the SUPA program. The first curriculum is designed for training the trainers, ensuring that instructors are well-prepared to deliver high-quality education. The second curriculum focuses on learning materials tailored for artisans, covering project management principles relevant to all trade areas.
He said CIPMN’s collaboration with ITF marks a pioneering effort in Nigeria, aiming to transform the informal sector by enhancing the skill levels and professional status of artisans.
Mbadiwe said the strategic vision of the SUPA program is to elevate artisans to an international standard, enabling them to engage in highly skilled, well-regulated professions that are globally recognised.
The registrar said by empowering more unemployed Nigerians with these valuable skills, the program aims to help them create wealth and transition from poverty to prosperity.
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