DG ITF Convenes Nigeria Artisans for the Renewed Hope Initiative (NARHI). - THISDAYLIVE

The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, has promised to further improve the screening and training of artisans under the Federal Government’s Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme.

Speaking at an artisans’ engagement in Abuja, Dr. Ogun said the programme had uncovered several applicants who claimed to be artisans but lacked basic knowledge of their trades. He cited examples of self-acclaimed welders who could not explain what an electrode was, mechanics who did not understand carburetors or injectors, and tailors who could not explain basic clothing techniques.

The ITF boss said the agency had become stricter in its screening process and had directed its area offices to work with artisans’ associations recognised by state governors to ensure that only genuine artisans benefit from the programme. He added that the 2025 edition was better than 2024 and expressed confidence that the 2026 edition would be even better.

Ogun also urged artisans to make use of the Skills House in Abuja, describing it as the home of skills and a place where they could seek solutions to their challenges. He said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration was determined to raise Nigerian artisans to international standards and make them competitive with artisans from other countries.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Oluwatosin Ayinde, urged the artisans to return to their states and sensitise others about the achievements and ongoing initiatives of the Tinubu administration. He also announced that official invitations would be sent to artisans across the states and the FCT to attend the 2026 National Industrial Manpower Summit (NIMS. 2.0).

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