The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its plan to train 100,000 artisans nationwide in 2025 through a new initiative called Skill Up Artisan Supa.
The programme, called Skill Up Artisan Supa, is aimed at helping young Nigerians learn valuable skills that can earn them a decent living, especially at a time when many are struggling to find stable jobs.
Speaking at the opening of the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) Secretariat in Akure, Ondo State, Dr. Oluwatoyin Ogun, the Director-General of the Industrial Trust Fund (ITF), made it clear that this initiative is a direct response to President Bola Tinubu’s promise to empower local talent not just encourage more okada riders.
“President Tinubu wants Nigerian artisans to be able to compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world,” Dr. Ogun said. “He’s serious about equipping people with the right skills that will change their lives.”
This is the first time a Nigerian president is putting such strong attention on skilled workers—electricians, welders, plumbers, solar installers, and even those with digital skills. The goal is to improve the quality of local work and reduce the number of untrained workers (often called “quacks”), giving the sector a bad name.
Recall, in 2024, over 29,000 people were trained during a pilot phase of this same programme. Many of them had little to no skills before, but today, some have started their own small businesses or gotten better jobs with the help of skills acquired.
This time around, the focus will be on artisans who already have basic skills, helping them upgrade their knowledge and become internationally certified. Think of it as turning regular technicians into world-class professionals.
Dr. Ogun also pointed out that once people start seeing real money from their skills, the days of riding an okada out of frustration will be over.
“When artisans begin to earn well from their craft, they won’t need to look for other ways to survive. Their work will be enough,” he added.
This initiative could be a game-changer for many Nigerian youths. With the right training and support, more young people can build careers, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy.
Want to learn a skill and get certified? Keep an eye out for when Skill Up Artisan Supa applications open. This might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Skill Up Artisan Supa?
Skill Up Artisan Supa is a federal government initiative launched to empower 100,000 Nigerian artisans with advanced technical and vocational skills. The programme is part of a broader plan to reduce unemployment and enhance the quality of skilled labor across the country. It was introduced by President Bola Tinubu and is managed by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
2. What is the meaning of artisan?
An artisan is a person who is skilled in a particular trade or craft and uses their hands and tools to create, repair, or build things. Examples include electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters, tailors, painters, and other technical workers.
3. Who is an artisan in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, an artisan refers to someone trained in a hands-on, vocational field such as plumbing, tailoring, electrical work, welding, or even digital skills like phone repairs and solar installation. These individuals often provide essential services in homes, businesses, and construction sites.
4. How can I apply for Skill Up Artisan Supa?
Application details for Skill Up Artisan Supa 2025 will be made available through the official Industrial Training Fund (ITF) portal and other verified government channels. GoldenNewsNg will keep you updated on how to go about the application shortly.
5. Is there a portal for Skill Up Artisan Supa registration?
As of now, the official portal for registration has not been publicly released. However, when applications open, you will likely be able to apply through the ITF official portal: https://www.itf.gov.ng.
6. What kind of skills are available under the programme?
The Skill Up Artisan Supa programme focuses on high-demand technical and digital skills, such as:
Solar panel installation
Plumbing
Electrical wiring and maintenance
Welding and fabrication
Tailoring and fashion design
Carpentry
Tiling and POP design
Phone and gadget repairs
Digital skills (e.g., coding, graphic design) and more
7. Who is eligible to apply for the Skill Up Artisan Supa?
The programme is open to young Nigerians, especially those who already possess basic artisan skills and want to advance to international standards. However, some slots may also be available for unskilled individuals who are passionate about learning a trade.
8. Is Skill Up Artisan Supa free?
Yes, the training is fully sponsored by the Federal Government and implemented by the ITF. This means selected applicants will receive training at no cost and may also get starter kits or certifications after completion.
9. When will the application for Skill Up Artisan Supa 2025 begin?
The exact date for the application hasn’t been announced yet. However, it’s expected to commence in the early part of 2025. Keep checking trusted news outlets and the ITF website for timely updates.
10. What is the goal of Skill Up Artisan Supa?
The goal is to upgrade the skills of Nigerian artisans so they can match international standards, earn better income, reduce unemployment, and discourage unqualified technicians (“quacks”) from flooding the market.
