The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has commenced the screening of 15,000 artisans in Plateau State under the Federal Government’s Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme, a nationwide initiative designed to empower Nigerians with technical and vocational skills for self-employment and economic independence.
The screening exercise, which began on Wednesday at the ITF Vocational Training Centre in Jos, drew a large number of applicants eager to benefit from the empowerment project.
Speaking after addressing participants, ITF Director-General Dr. Afiz Ogun explained that the screening process was essential for verifying the authenticity of applicants and ensuring that candidates were properly assigned to appropriate training centers.
“We need to identify the artisans physically because we do not know who they are or if some of the applications were submitted by proxy,” Ogun stated, underscoring the importance of verification.
He further highlighted that the SUPA Programme encompasses 24 trade areas, including information and communications technology, tailoring, plumbing, electrical installation, and hospitality services.
“Our goal is to take as many people as possible off the streets and make them financially self-reliant,” he said. “In Plateau alone, we are screening 15,000 artisans during this phase, while similar exercises are ongoing across all states of the federation.”
Ogun pointed out that a key challenge facing the agency was the shortage of well-equipped training centres, calling on both government and private sector stakeholders to invest in modern vocational facilities.
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“One of our major challenges is the limited number of standard centres,” he said. “We cannot train artisans in makeshift locations. The trainees will learn in state-of-the-art facilities with proper equipment because they will sit for internationally recognized certification exams.”
According to him, obtaining such certifications would significantly boost the employability and global competitiveness of Nigerian artisans.
“We are looking for training centers that have the right tools and a conducive learning environment. In Plateau alone, there are over 15,000 artisans, and similar figures are being recorded nationwide. Without adequate facilities, implementation becomes difficult,” he added.
Representing the Director-General, Mrs. Nancy Ekong, the Director of Technical and Vocational Skills Training, appealed to state governments to establish at least three fully equipped training centers in each state to facilitate smooth programme execution.
“We are urging state governments to help by providing quality training centres with the required tools. If each state can set up at least three centres focusing on key trades, the implementation process will be far easier,” Ekong noted.
The two-day screening in Plateau forms part of the Federal Government’s broader drive to combat unemployment, equip youth with practical, in-demand skills, and promote inclusive economic development across Nigeria.
