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Industrial Training Fund, ITF

The Industrial Training Fund ITF has commenced a nationwide screening exercise for artisans shortlisted for the 2026 edition of its Skill-Up Artisans Further Training Programme, as the Federal Government steps up efforts to develop a globally competitive technical workforce and reduce reliance on foreign craftsmen.

The exercise, which will span the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is designed to verify the eligibility, competence and practical experience of candidates before they are admitted into the next phase of the programme. It will be conducted simultaneously across the three senatorial districts in each state to ensure broad participation.

The ITF announced the development in a statement issued on Saturday by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor.

According to the statement, artisans from the North-Central, North-West and North-East geopolitical zones will be screened from July 14 to July 17, 2026, while those from the South-East, South-West and South-South zones will undergo screening from July 21 to July 24, 2026.

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ITF Director-General Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun said the programme was created to close a widening skills gap that had allowed foreign workers to take up employment opportunities in Nigeria’s artisanal sector.

“Many employment opportunities in Nigeria’s artisanal sector were increasingly being filled by foreign workers because many local artisans lacked the contemporary technical skills required by industry,” he said.

He said the Fund’s goal was to expose artisans to modern technologies, international standards and globally recognised certifications that would improve their competitiveness at home and abroad.

Ogun disclosed that the Fund had recently concluded international certification examinations for beneficiaries of the 2025 edition of the programme, supervised by Alberk QA Technic of Türkiye across more than 20 vocational and technical trades.

He also announced that preparations were complete for the incubation phase of the 2025 programme, which will offer beneficiaries mentorship, enterprise development support and business incubation services.

“Our goal is not merely to train artisans but to develop successful entrepreneurs, employers of labour and globally competitive professionals who can drive Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda,” he said.

Shortlisted candidates were urged to report to their designated screening centres with the required credentials, as only successful applicants would advance to the next phase.

ITF