By Victoria Ojeme

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has launched a new programme called Skill Up Artisan (SUPA) to address Nigeria’s growing technical manpower shortage and improve the quality of vocational training.

The initiative, announced today by ITF Director-General Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, aims to revolutionise vocational training across the country and combat widespread quackery in the sector.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting with executives of enlisted Skills Training Centres (STCs) in Abuja, Dr. Ogun outlined the programme’s key objectives to include transforming the skills acquisition landscape in Nigeria, addressing the critical shortage of technical manpower, professionalising vocational training to improve artisan prosperity and partnering with reputable international awarding bodies for globally recognised certifications.

The ITF chief noted there was a need for stringent quality control in the industry, stating, “We will implement rigorous facility and process inspections to ensure our standards are met.” He also warned of upcoming regulations to curb the proliferation of unapproved training centres, both domestic and foreign.

Dr Ogun called for collaboration among stakeholders, declaring, “Today signposts a new dawn at ITF and in the skills training space in Nigeria. We need all hands on deck to turn the tide and change the narrative.”

Earlier in his speech, the Deputy Director of the Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department at ITF, Engr. Usman Ibrahim Gano, said, “The overall objective of the SUPA programme is to aid quality service delivery through the Training, Certification and licensing of artisans to promote the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.”

He said the SUPA programme represents a major shift in ITF’s approach to addressing the evolving demands for skilled manpower in the Nigerian economy.

“Over the years, pursuant to its statutory responsibility, the ITF has expanded its structures, developed training programmes, reviewed its strategies, operations and services in order to meet the expanding, and changing demands for skilled manpower in the Nigerian economy,” Gano explained.

According to him, a key focus of the programme is its potential to create new avenues for empowerment. He said, “Certainly, this programme would open more windows for youth/women empowerment through Skills Training initiatives.”

The inaugural meeting covered several critical aspects of the SUPA programme, including the respective roles of ITF and the Skills Training Centres in its implementation, as well as a comprehensive action plan for execution.