Abuja: A former World Bank Senior Education Specialist, Dr. Tunde Adekola, has urged Nigerian artisans to embrace the Industrial Training Fund’s (ITF) SUPA programme to improve skills and access global opportunities. Adekola disclosed this during a joint tour of the ITF Model Skills Centre with the Fund’s Director-General, Dr. Afiz Ogun.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adekola described the programme as vital for youth empowerment, job creation, and poverty reduction. He identified skills acquisition and vocational training as tools for reducing unemployment and improving livelihoods across the country. Adekola expressed satisfaction with the practical projects undertaken by participants of the ongoing eight-week Train-the-Trainers Capacity Workshop at the centre and urged artisans to take full advantage of the SUPA programme to upgrade their skills and meet international standards.
Improved technical skills will enable artisans to access global trade opportunities and enhance their economic status, Adekola stated. He commended Ogun for his leadership in driving the programme and urged relevant stakeholders to support its implementation. “Stakeholder support is necessary to achieve the objectives of the programme and expand its benefits to Nigerian artisans,” he said.
The director-general, Dr. Afiz Ogun, said that the participants in the ongoing eight-week Train-the-Trainers Capacity Workshop were receiving training in five trades. He listed the trades as floor tiling, bricklaying, carpentry, painting, and decorating, aimed at improving participants’ technical competence. Ogun added that the ITF engaged training experts from England and the United Kingdom to build participants’ capacities during the programme. Participants would receive professional certification at the end of the training, subject to the requirements of the programme.
Ogun explained that the ITF is collaborating with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA). “The partnerships were aimed at improving employment opportunities and creating better prospects for beneficiaries of the training,” he said. Limited access to capital was identified by Ogun as one of the major challenges confronting Nigerian artisans. To address these challenges, ITF is partnering with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to assist beneficiaries of the SUPA programme.
Participants of the programme have already begun to see improvements in their skills. Temitope Ojo, a carpenter, noted learning global best practices in chair and bench making and an increased awareness of safety precautions within less than 10 days of participation. Mary Ann, undergoing painting training, said she had learnt new techniques differing significantly from her previous experience. Abubakar Badrin, a floor-tiling participant, mentioned that the programme enhanced his tiling skills and taught him how to ensure safety for himself and clients.