On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, approximately 100,000 participants enrolled in the second phase of the Industrial Training Fund’s Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative across Nigeria will undertake their examinations.
Thomas Ngor, Head of the Press and Public Relations Unit, announced from Jos that the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN) will be responsible for administering these tests.
The assessments are designed to measure the trainees’ mastery of essential soft skills embedded in the SUPA curriculum, such as project management, workplace health and safety, and professional ethics-critical areas aimed at elevating artisans‘ competencies to international benchmarks.
Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, Director-General and Chief Executive of the ITF, reiterated the Fund’s dedication to equipping Nigerian artisans with globally recognised certifications through rigorous training, certification, and licensing processes.
“Our mission is to cultivate a homegrown workforce that can stand shoulder to shoulder with their counterparts worldwide,” Dr. Ogun remarked.
He stressed that obtaining internationally accredited credentials will not only reduce unemployment but also tackle socio-economic issues by empowering artisans with skills that are in demand.
Dr. Ogun further explained that the SUPA programme’s certification system incorporates internationally accepted qualifications to boost the employability of its graduates.
He revealed that the ITF has secured approval from City & Guilds London (UK) to serve as one of its official examination centres in Nigeria, allowing artisans to earn esteemed certifications across various trades.
Additionally, the DG disclosed ongoing advanced negotiations with ALBERK QA TECHNIC of Turkey and other global certification bodies to broaden the spectrum of available credentials.
These internationally aligned certifications will open doors for Nigerian artisans to access employment opportunities abroad, leveraging the country’s youthful workforce of over 70 million to export skilled labor and generate foreign exchange.
Detailing the SUPA certification pathway, Dr. Ogun described a three-level training model: the Foundation phase, which assesses basic skills; SUPA I, focusing on soft skills development culminating in the forthcoming CIPMN examinations; and SUPA II, which offers advanced technical training.
He noted that artisans who successfully complete all stages receive certifications that validate their expertise, enabling them to secure jobs locally, pursue international placements, or embark on entrepreneurial ventures.
Dr. Ogun praised the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN), Abuja, for its crucial role in the SUPA programme’s execution. “CIPMN has been an unwavering collaborator since the programme began,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the examinations conducted under their supervision will uphold the highest standards expected.
