From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
Thousands of trainees under the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme have participated in nationwide mock examinations as part of preparations for final certification by City and Guilds International.
The mock exams, conducted on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, were organised by the Industrial Training Fund across 34 approved centres and ITF area offices nationwide.
According to the ITF Director of Standardisation and Certification, Mrs. Olayinka Shodunke, the trainees were selected based on their outstanding performance in both theoretical and practical aspects of the SUPA training programme.
She explained that the examination covered nine trades, including welding and fabrication, plumbing and pipefitting, scaffolding, electrical installation, auto mechanics, carpentry, cybersecurity, housekeeping, and hospitality services.
Shodunke added that the dates for the final certification examinations would be announced by City and Guilds International after the assessment of the mock examination scripts.
During visits to some of the examination centres, the Director-General of ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, commended the partnership with City and Guilds, describing the exercise as a demonstration of the Fund’s commitment to equipping Nigerian artisans with globally recognised certifications.
He noted that such certifications would enhance the global competitiveness of SUPA graduates.
Dr. Ogun also disclosed that implementation of the 2026 phase of the programme would commence in the coming weeks, following a nationwide screening conducted in December 2025.
He said although hundreds of thousands of Nigerians registered for the programme, not all applicants could be accommodated at once due to limited training centres, but assured that efforts are ongoing to expand access in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The ITF boss urged Nigerian youths yet to enrol in the programme to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire relevant skills for both local and international markets.
He further revealed that the Fund is in advanced discussions with Alberk QA Technic and other global certification organisations to broaden certification opportunities for trainees.
The SUPA programme is a key initiative aimed at equipping Nigerians with industry-relevant skills and improving employment prospects nationwide.