ITF Launches Second Phase of SUPA Programme, Calls on Artisans to Enrol

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has officially launched the second phase of its Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme, inviting artisans and those aspiring to join the trade to seize this opportunity for skill enhancement and career development.

“This is your moment. SUPA is here , skill up, show up, and stand out,” the agency declared in its public statement released on June 24, 2025.

The SUPA initiative is part of ITF’s broader strategy to bridge Nigeria’s technical skills gap by empowering artisans with modern, industry-relevant training. It targets individuals in trades such as plumbing, electrical installation, masonry, auto mechanics, welding, carpentry, tiling, air-conditioning repair, and more — equipping them with both the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive economy.

ITF disclosed that individuals who had previously registered on the SUPA website are now expected to present themselves for screening. Applicants are required to come with two recent passport photographs and both the original and photocopy of their National Identification Number (NIN) slip or any valid means of identification, such as a voter’s card or driver’s licence.

The screening will take place between June 30 and July 4, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the ITF office on Jay Jay Oladimeji Street, Freedom Way, Ikate, Lekki Phase One, located near the China/Canada Visa Centre in Lagos.

According to ITF, the SUPA programme is designed to not only train but also certify artisans, opening the door for them to access better job opportunities, loans, contracts, and even international work placement where applicable. Participants will benefit from hands-on training delivered by seasoned professionals, as well as exposure to digital tools and safety standards that meet global expectations.

In addition to technical instruction, the programme will include training on financial literacy, customer relations, and business growth — all aimed at helping artisans become more competitive, confident, and employable.

The Fund urged interested individuals to visit any ITF office across the country before June 25 to get further details, especially for those who have not yet registered. While the programme remains free, it is selective, and timely screening is crucial for participation.

With Nigeria’s youth unemployment and underemployment rates still high, SUPA represents a major step toward sustainable job creation and national productivity. The programme supports the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen the informal economy and promote skills-based empowerment under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

ITF is encouraging all eligible individuals to treat this as a rare opportunity to gain practical, certified skills that can transform their futures and communities.