Call for application: Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Program Apply Now

The Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Program is a transformative initiative launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). 

Designed to address the shortage of skilled artisans and promote economic development, SUPA aims to upskill, certify, and empower 10 million artisans across Nigeria within a two-year period, with broader long-term goals of enhancing the nation’s workforce over time.

SUPA aligns with global employment trends, responding to the shift caused by technological advancements in various industries. It seeks to reverse the scarcity of qualified Nigerian artisans, a challenge worsened by a societal preference for white-collar jobs and the lack of coordinated efforts to certify and license skilled workers. The program supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on creating gainful employment for Nigerian youth, reducing reliance on imported labor, and fostering industrial growth through a skilled blue-collar workforce.

Provide comprehensive, tech-enabled training aligned with Industry 4.0 standards, followed by certification and licensing to meet local and international benchmarks.

Equip artisans with essential toolkits, soft skills, and entrepreneurial training to enhance employability and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Connect artisans to employment opportunities domestically and abroad, including partnerships like the one with the United Arab Emirates to deploy 14,000 artisans.

Address outdated skills and deficiencies in artisanal practices by introducing modern, globally recognized standards.

An introductory stage that aggregates and assesses existing and intending artisans, providing basic training. In 2024, 29,000 artisans graduated from this phase.

SUPA I: Focuses on soft skills, including certifications in Artisan Project Management, Health and Safety, and Ethics & Patriotism. This phase, currently underway as of March 2025, targets 100,000 artisans, including those from the Foundation phase.

SUPA II: Offers advanced technical and entrepreneurial training, culminating in international certification exams at no cost to participants.

Existing artisans seeking to enhance their skills and marketability.

Intending artisans looking to learn a trade.

Training centers providing vocational skills education.

Registration: Managed through the official portal (supa.itf.gov.ng), with over 522,778 artisans registered by mid-2024 across 20 trade areas, such as carpentry, plumbing, tailoring, and electrical work.

The ITF has enlisted 800 centers, with plans to expand to 1,500 to accommodate growing demand.

A platform on the SUPA website allows artisans to showcase their products and services, connecting them to buyers and opportunities.

Participants receive stipends, personal protective equipment (PPE), and essential training materials (ETMs).

Progress (as of March 9, 2025)

Pilot Phase: Successfully completed with 29,000 artisans trained in the Foundation phase.

Phase I: Launched in early 2025, onboarding 100,000 artisans for soft skills training, with formal notifications and a comprehensive trainee list expected soon on the SUPA and ITF websites.

Screening: Conducted across Nigeria’s 90 senatorial districts, with the first phase screening held from April 29 to May 10, 2024.

Regional Impact: The North-West region leads with 27.04% of registrations, while Plateau State has the highest at 53,133 artisans.

Long-Term Vision:

The Federal Government aims to certify 20 million artisans over five years, enhancing their competitiveness in local and international markets. By partnering with organizations like the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and international awarding bodies, SUPA seeks to create pathways to employment, business incubation, and global labor export, ultimately reducing unemployment and boosting Nigeria’s economy.

For more details or to apply, visit supa.itf.gov.ng. The program reflects a commitment to transforming Nigeria’s informal sector into a skilled, regulated, and globally competitive workforce.

Click HERE to Apply Now