The Industrial Training Fund on Tuesday commenced the nationwide screening of 225,000 practising artisans under its Skill Up Artisans programme, a Federal Government initiative designed to equip Nigerian tradesmen with globally competitive skills, internationally recognised certification and access to employment and business opportunities.The Director of the ITF’s Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department, Mrs Nancy Ekong, disclosed this in Jos on Tuesday while monitoring the screening exercise for thousands of participants in Plateau State.According to her, the exercise is being conducted simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as part of efforts to implement President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by improving the livelihoods of skilled workers.Mrs Ekong clarified that SUPA is strictly for those already practising a trade and not a general empowerment scheme.“This programme is not an empowerment programme. It is meant for practising artisans who already have skills. Whether you are a tailor, plumber, electrician or in any other trade, we are helping you improve your competence and become globally competitive,” she said.She explained that while many Nigerian artisans possess technical ability, gaps remain in professionalism and service delivery.“This is not an empowerment programme. Our goal is to improve not only their technical competence but also their attitude to work and professionalism so they can compete favourably with artisans anywhere in the world,” she added.The ITF official said the three-and-a-half-month training would be delivered free of charge, with the fund paying master trainers and providing transportation stipends to beneficiaries.Related NewsPower ministry seeks ICPC’s guidance to fight fraud, grid vandalismBuhari’s integrity, compassion defined his leadership — Lai MohammedXenophobia: Final batch of 315 Nigerians to return from S’Africa WednesdayShe noted that the programme would culminate in internationally recognised certification aimed at boosting participants’ employability both in Nigeria and abroad.Highlighting exit opportunities, Mrs Ekong said successful artisans would be channelled through three pathways.“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.Reviewing the pilot phase, she described it as a success, adding that beneficiaries had completed technical and soft skills training and were currently undergoing certification examinations.“The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, noting that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” The Director of the ITF’s Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department, Mrs Nancy Ekong, disclosed this in Jos on Tuesday while monitoring the screening exercise for thousands of participants in Plateau State.According to her, the exercise is being conducted simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as part of efforts to implement President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by improving the livelihoods of skilled workers.Mrs Ekong clarified that SUPA is strictly for those already practising a trade and not a general empowerment scheme.“This programme is not an empowerment programme. It is meant for practising artisans who already have skills. Whether you are a tailor, plumber, electrician or in any other trade, we are helping you improve your competence and become globally competitive,” she said.She explained that while many Nigerian artisans possess technical ability, gaps remain in professionalism and service delivery.“This is not an empowerment programme. Our goal is to improve not only their technical competence but also their attitude to work and professionalism so they can compete favourably with artisans anywhere in the world,” she added.The ITF official said the three-and-a-half-month training would be delivered free of charge, with the fund paying master trainers and providing transportation stipends to beneficiaries.Related NewsPower ministry seeks ICPC’s guidance to fight fraud, grid vandalismBuhari’s integrity, compassion defined his leadership — Lai MohammedXenophobia: Final batch of 315 Nigerians to return from S’Africa WednesdayShe noted that the programme would culminate in internationally recognised certification aimed at boosting participants’ employability both in Nigeria and abroad.Highlighting exit opportunities, Mrs Ekong said successful artisans would be channelled through three pathways.“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.Reviewing the pilot phase, she described it as a success, adding that beneficiaries had completed technical and soft skills training and were currently undergoing certification examinations.“The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, noting that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” According to her, the exercise is being conducted simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as part of efforts to implement President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by improving the livelihoods of skilled workers.Mrs Ekong clarified that SUPA is strictly for those already practising a trade and not a general empowerment scheme.“This programme is not an empowerment programme. It is meant for practising artisans who already have skills. Whether you are a tailor, plumber, electrician or in any other trade, we are helping you improve your competence and become globally competitive,” she said.She explained that while many Nigerian artisans possess technical ability, gaps remain in professionalism and service delivery.“This is not an empowerment programme. Our goal is to improve not only their technical competence but also their attitude to work and professionalism so they can compete favourably with artisans anywhere in the world,” she added.The ITF official said the three-and-a-half-month training would be delivered free of charge, with the fund paying master trainers and providing transportation stipends to beneficiaries.Related NewsPower ministry seeks ICPC’s guidance to fight fraud, grid vandalismBuhari’s integrity, compassion defined his leadership — Lai MohammedXenophobia: Final batch of 315 Nigerians to return from S’Africa WednesdayShe noted that the programme would culminate in internationally recognised certification aimed at boosting participants’ employability both in Nigeria and abroad.Highlighting exit opportunities, Mrs Ekong said successful artisans would be channelled through three pathways.“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.Reviewing the pilot phase, she described it as a success, adding that beneficiaries had completed technical and soft skills training and were currently undergoing certification examinations.“The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, noting that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” Mrs Ekong clarified that SUPA is strictly for those already practising a trade and not a general empowerment scheme.“This programme is not an empowerment programme. It is meant for practising artisans who already have skills. Whether you are a tailor, plumber, electrician or in any other trade, we are helping you improve your competence and become globally competitive,” she said.She explained that while many Nigerian artisans possess technical ability, gaps remain in professionalism and service delivery.“This is not an empowerment programme. Our goal is to improve not only their technical competence but also their attitude to work and professionalism so they can compete favourably with artisans anywhere in the world,” she added.The ITF official said the three-and-a-half-month training would be delivered free of charge, with the fund paying master trainers and providing transportation stipends to beneficiaries.Related NewsPower ministry seeks ICPC’s guidance to fight fraud, grid vandalismBuhari’s integrity, compassion defined his leadership — Lai MohammedXenophobia: Final batch of 315 Nigerians to return from S’Africa WednesdayShe noted that the programme would culminate in internationally recognised certification aimed at boosting participants’ employability both in Nigeria and abroad.Highlighting exit opportunities, Mrs Ekong said successful artisans would be channelled through three pathways.“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.Reviewing the pilot phase, she described it as a success, adding that beneficiaries had completed technical and soft skills training and were currently undergoing certification examinations.“The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, noting that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” “This programme is not an empowerment programme. It is meant for practising artisans who already have skills. Whether you are a tailor, plumber, electrician or in any other trade, we are helping you improve your competence and become globally competitive,” she said.She explained that while many Nigerian artisans possess technical ability, gaps remain in professionalism and service delivery.“This is not an empowerment programme. Our goal is to improve not only their technical competence but also their attitude to work and professionalism so they can compete favourably with artisans anywhere in the world,” she added.The ITF official said the three-and-a-half-month training would be delivered free of charge, with the fund paying master trainers and providing transportation stipends to beneficiaries.Related NewsPower ministry seeks ICPC’s guidance to fight fraud, grid vandalismBuhari’s integrity, compassion defined his leadership — Lai MohammedXenophobia: Final batch of 315 Nigerians to return from S’Africa WednesdayShe noted that the programme would culminate in internationally recognised certification aimed at boosting participants’ employability both in Nigeria and abroad.Highlighting exit opportunities, Mrs Ekong said successful artisans would be channelled through three pathways.“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.Reviewing the pilot phase, she described it as a success, adding that beneficiaries had completed technical and soft skills training and were currently undergoing certification examinations.“The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, noting that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” She explained that while many Nigerian artisans possess technical ability, gaps remain in professionalism and service delivery.“This is not an empowerment programme. Our goal is to improve not only their technical competence but also their attitude to work and professionalism so they can compete favourably with artisans anywhere in the world,” she added.The ITF official said the three-and-a-half-month training would be delivered free of charge, with the fund paying master trainers and providing transportation stipends to beneficiaries.Related NewsPower ministry seeks ICPC’s guidance to fight fraud, grid vandalismBuhari’s integrity, compassion defined his leadership — Lai MohammedXenophobia: Final batch of 315 Nigerians to return from S’Africa WednesdayShe noted that the programme would culminate in internationally recognised certification aimed at boosting participants’ employability both in Nigeria and abroad.Highlighting exit opportunities, Mrs Ekong said successful artisans would be channelled through three pathways.“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.Reviewing the pilot phase, she described it as a success, adding that beneficiaries had completed technical and soft skills training and were currently undergoing certification examinations.“The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, noting that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” “This is not an empowerment programme. Our goal is to improve not only their technical competence but also their attitude to work and professionalism so they can compete favourably with artisans anywhere in the world,” she added.The ITF official said the three-and-a-half-month training would be delivered free of charge, with the fund paying master trainers and providing transportation stipends to beneficiaries.Related NewsPower ministry seeks ICPC’s guidance to fight fraud, grid vandalismBuhari’s integrity, compassion defined his leadership — Lai MohammedXenophobia: Final batch of 315 Nigerians to return from S’Africa WednesdayShe noted that the programme would culminate in internationally recognised certification aimed at boosting participants’ employability both in Nigeria and abroad.Highlighting exit opportunities, Mrs Ekong said successful artisans would be channelled through three pathways.“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.Reviewing the pilot phase, she described it as a success, adding that beneficiaries had completed technical and soft skills training and were currently undergoing certification examinations.“The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, noting that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” The ITF official said the three-and-a-half-month training would be delivered free of charge, with the fund paying master trainers and providing transportation stipends to beneficiaries.Related NewsPower ministry seeks ICPC’s guidance to fight fraud, grid vandalismBuhari’s integrity, compassion defined his leadership — Lai MohammedXenophobia: Final batch of 315 Nigerians to return from S’Africa WednesdayShe noted that the programme would culminate in internationally recognised certification aimed at boosting participants’ employability both in Nigeria and abroad.Highlighting exit opportunities, Mrs Ekong said successful artisans would be channelled through three pathways.“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.Reviewing the pilot phase, she described it as a success, adding that beneficiaries had completed technical and soft skills training and were currently undergoing certification examinations.“The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, noting that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” She noted that the programme would culminate in internationally recognised certification aimed at boosting participants’ employability both in Nigeria and abroad.Highlighting exit opportunities, Mrs Ekong said successful artisans would be channelled through three pathways.“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.Reviewing the pilot phase, she described it as a success, adding that beneficiaries had completed technical and soft skills training and were currently undergoing certification examinations.“The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, noting that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” Highlighting exit opportunities, Mrs Ekong said successful artisans would be channelled through three pathways.“Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.Reviewing the pilot phase, she described it as a success, adding that beneficiaries had completed technical and soft skills training and were currently undergoing certification examinations.“The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, noting that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” “Some participants will have their businesses incubated and supported financially and technically. Others will be linked with employers of labour, while some will have opportunities to work outside Nigeria because many countries require skilled artisans,” she said.Reviewing the pilot phase, she described it as a success, adding that beneficiaries had completed technical and soft skills training and were currently undergoing certification examinations.“The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, noting that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” Reviewing the pilot phase, she described it as a success, adding that beneficiaries had completed technical and soft skills training and were currently undergoing certification examinations.“The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, noting that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” “The certification exercise had already been concluded in Abuja, where the pilot phase was conducted,” she said, noting that the exercise “would be extended to other states before the commencement of business incubation for successful participants.”According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” According to her, tailors constituted the largest group of artisans trained during the pilot phase.Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” Mrs Ekong expressed confidence that SUPA would strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce and create sustainable livelihoods.She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.” She said the programme is expected to “improve the quality of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, enhance productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans across the country.”