The Industrial Training Fund (ITF)has planned to empower five million Nigerian artisans annually with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to succeed in their respective fields.
The Director General and Chief Executive of the fund, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun stated this during a northwest zonal media briefing held in the Kaduna Area office on Wednesday.
According to him, ITF initiated the Skill Up Artisan programme( SUPA) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to launch the programme soon due to its importance to national growth.
The Director General who was represented by the Assistant Director, Head of Training, Kaduna Office, Mr. Daniel Jamgbade explained that a call centre had already been established to provide information to the public and presently over two hundred thousand Nigerians have registered within a month for the programme.
He said a curriculum for the programme was already developed for the individual trades with the assistance of relevant Sector Skills Councils and the Trade Unions in the country.
Ogun also informed the public that the Assessment of Training Centres for the implementation of the Skill Up Artisan (SUPA) is being carried out in all the thirty-six states of the federation and the FCT Abuja.
He said SUPA was developed in response to the need for upskilling and capacity-building among the country’s skilled workforce and appealed to journalists to assist the fund in ensuring the success of the programme through positive press coverage as their contribution to the nation-building.
“I wish to express our profound appreciation to the media in the northwest region for standing with us, particularly journalists in Kaduna State played a critical role in promoting the image and corporate profile of the ITF, and have strong partners in progress.”
He emphasised that with the SUPA programme, numerous opportunities would be available to harness the potential of the youth and drive economic growth to ensure a brighter future for the next generation.
“The role of artisans cannot be overstated as they form the foundation upon which industries thrive. From manufacturing to construction, automotive to textiles, adding that artisans play a crucial role in driving productivity, innovation and economic growth.
“The objective of SUPA is to identify, register and categorize artisans across the different sectors of the economy, provide comprehensive industry compliant and certified training programme, including health and safety programmes for various trades such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing and electrical works among others.
“The benefits of SUPA are access to quality training, equipping them with employable skills which enhances their earning potential and contributes to poverty reduction, reducing dependency on foreign artisans, increase foreign exchange through national talent export programme and encourage Nigerians travelling abroad to acquire skills.
“The upskilling the artisans in Nigeria is not just a necessity but an imperative for the nation’s sustainable economic development, particularly technological advancement, automation, and shifting market dynamics continuously reshape industries, requiring a workforce that is adaptable, skilled and innovative.”
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