The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has recorded a milestone in its efforts aimed at training and certifying Nigerian artisans internationally, as the City and Guilds of London (UK), has approved the agency as a certified examination centre.
The development has now positioned the ITF among six other centres across Nigeria that have received similar approvals.
The approval, which was conveyed in a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of City and Guilds, Kirstie Donnelly, stated that the ITF could conduct examinations for Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Technology and Maintenance Technology, Level 2 Diploma in House Keeping services, Food Preparation and Culinary Art, Foundation Certificate in Basic Electronic Engineering and Basic Plumbing.
Others include Level 2 in ICT Systems and Principles, Level 3 ICT Systems and Principles, Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying, Level 2 IVQ in IT Systems Support and Level 3 IVQ Advanced Diploma in IT Systems support.
A statement by Thomas Ngor, Head of Press and Public Relations of the ITF, stated that the approval followed multiple visits by the examination body to Fund’s training facilities nationwide beginning in December 2023 soon after the inauguration of the incumbent Management in the Fund which culminated in a Train-the-Trainer workshop for 22 ITF officers who will be responsible for training trainees in the approved fields and supervising examinations.
The statement said that the Director-General of the ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun noted the significance of the approval, saying; “this approval is significant as it will enable Nigerian Artisans to gain internationally recognised qualifications and potentially up opportunities for jobs worldwide, thereby positively impacting the poverty and unemployment situation in the country.
Dr Ogun also said that it would align 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.
He further said; “It is also especially crucial for the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA), which is a programme implemented by the ITF for the Federal Government to train, retrain, certify and licence Nigerian artisans to international standards.
“SUPA aims to enhance the employability of artisans both locally and internationally by providing access to internationally recognised certifications thereby fostering self-reliance”.
The Director General noted that apart from City and Guilds, the ITF is currently interacting with international certification bodies like Alberk QA and others for similar certification.
Ogun also said; “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,” he said.
