The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has secured approval from the City and Guilds of London (UK) to serve as an examination centre, a development expected to give a major lift to the Federal Government’s Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) programme.
This was revealed in a statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Fund, Thomas Ngor, who noted that the approval, signed by the Chief Executive Officer of City and Guilds, Kirstie Donnelly, places the ITF among seven centres nationwide authorised to conduct examinations for internationally recognised qualifications.
According to the statement, the ITF can now conduct examinations for the Level 2 Diploma in Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Technology and Maintenance Technology, Level 2 Diploma in Housekeeping Services, Food Preparation and Culinary Art, Foundation Certificate in Basic Electronic Engineering, Basic Plumbing, as well as various ICT and construction-related certifications.
The statement quoted the Director-General of the ITF, Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, as saying the milestone will directly enhance SUPA’s mission to train, retrain, certify, and license Nigerian artisans to international standards.
“This approval is significant as it will enable Nigerian artisans to gain internationally recognised qualifications and potentially open opportunities for jobs worldwide, thereby positively impacting the poverty and unemployment situation in the country.
“It also aligns with the ITF mission to set and evaluate training standards as well as provide need-based human capital interventions in line with global best practices,” the DG said in the statement.
The statement further explained that SUPA was designed to enhance the employability of artisans both locally and internationally by providing access to globally recognised certifications that foster self-reliance.
“SUPA aims to enhance the employability of artisans both locally and internationally by providing access to internationally recognised certifications thereby fostering self-reliance,” it stated, adding that apart from City and Guilds, the ITF is also engaging other international certification bodies like Alberk QA for similar approvals.
It added that the ITF is working towards making Nigeria a key exporter of skilled manpower.
“We believe that if our efforts come to fruition, Nigeria will become a major exporter of skilled manpower alongside countries like India, China and Indonesia, which will in turn earn Nigeria foreign exchange.
“Already, the ITF is in communication with some embassies and foreign missions to determine their artisanal needs to accommodate them in training under the Skill-Up Artisans Programme,” the statement added.
