The Industrial Training Fund has kicked off the screening of 225,000 artisans across Nigeria for its Skill Up Artisans programme, a Federal Government initiative aimed at upgrading the skills of experienced tradesmen and preparing them for better employment and business opportunities.
The exercise is taking place simultaneously in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with officials saying the programme is designed to improve the standard of technical skills among Nigerian artisans.
Speaking in Jos during the screening exercise, the Director of the ITF’s Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department, Mrs Nancy Ekong, explained that the initiative is exclusively for artisans who are already practising their trades.
“This programme is not an empowerment programme. It is meant for practising artisans who already have skills. Whether you are a tailor, plumber, electrician or in any other trade, we are helping you improve your competence and become globally competitive,” she said.
Ekong stressed that the programme is intended to bridge gaps in professionalism and workplace conduct rather than teach participants new trades.
“This is not an empowerment programme. Our goal is to improve not only their technical competence but also their attitude to work and professionalism so they can compete favourably with artisans anywhere in the world,” she added.
She said beneficiaries would undergo three and a half months of free training, with the ITF covering the cost of instruction and providing transport support throughout the programme.
At the end of the training, participants will earn internationally recognised certifications that could improve their employment prospects both locally and abroad.
Ekong said those who complete the programme successfully would either receive business support, be connected with employers or have opportunities to secure jobs outside the country.
“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.
Reviewing the pilot phase, she described it as successful, noting that participants had completed their training and were progressing through the certification process.
“The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, adding that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”
She further disclosed that tailors accounted for the highest number of participants during the pilot phase and expressed confidence that the initiative would raise the quality of skilled labour nationwide.
According to her, the programme will “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.”