Federal Government of Nigeria and Industrial Training Fund Launch Global Certification Programme

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has launched an eight-week international certification programme aimed at equipping 100 Nigerian master artisans and technical trainers with globally recognised skills and qualifications.

The initiative marks a significant step towards modernising Nigeria's technical and vocational education system by creating a workforce that meets international competency standards. Beyond improving employability, the programme is expected to reduce the country's dependence on foreign skilled labour while positioning Nigerian artisans to compete in global markets.

100 Participants Selected for International Certification

The programme officially commenced in Abuja, with 100 participants taking part in the inaugural training. The cohort consists of 80 ITF instructors and 20 master artisans selected from different parts of the country. Speaking during a press briefing at the ITF headquarters, Director-General Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun described the initiative as a transformative shift from traditional vocational education to internationally recognised certification.

Unlike conventional training programmes that often focus only on participation, this initiative is designed to award globally recognised credentials that validate technical competence and teaching ability.

Participants to Receive Three Globally Recognised Qualifications

According to Dr. Ogun, participants will graduate with three internationally recognised certifications:

• Trade Level 3 Certification
• Teaching and Training Certification
• Assessor Certification

These qualifications will not only strengthen participants' own technical expertise but also enable them to train, mentor and assess future generations of artisans according to international standards.

"We are not just giving certificates of participation. We are giving international certification that participants can take anywhere in the world, ensuring Nigerian artisans are recognised globally and compete successfully with their counterparts in other countries," Ogun said.

Programme to Expand Across Nigeria

While the pilot programme is being conducted in Abuja, the ITF has confirmed plans to extend the initiative to all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The nationwide expansion aims to increase access to globally benchmarked vocational training and ensure that artisans from every region have the opportunity to earn internationally recognised qualifications.

"We are starting from Abuja, but we are not stopping here. We are going to replicate this programme across the six geopolitical zones so more Nigerian artisans and technicians can benefit from internationally recognised training," Ogun added.

Investment in Modern Training Facilities

Dr. Ogun emphasised that certification alone is not enough to build a globally competitive workforce. He stressed that access to modern equipment and high-quality training facilities is equally important. To support the programme, the ITF is working with the Bank of Industry to upgrade training centres, workshops and learning environments across the country.

"We are working with the Bank of Industry to upgrade training rooms and facilities because without the right equipment and environment, efforts to produce globally competitive artisans and technicians will not achieve the desired results," he said.

The upgraded infrastructure is expected to provide participants with hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment, improving both the quality and relevance of vocational education.

Industry Leaders Highlight Need for Global Standards

The initiative received strong backing from industry experts and international consultants. ITF Director of Special Duties, Mr. K.S. Alakija, described the programme as an important milestone in Nigeria's technical and vocational education journey.

Similarly, ASQ Chief Executive Officer and Lead Consultant Samson Adeosun said the programme addresses one of Nigeria's long-standing workforce challenges—the continued reliance on skilled workers from neighbouring countries.

"Our aim is to stop importing skilled tradesmen from neighbouring countries. They are not better than us. The difference is access to information, internationally recognised standards, modern training methods and the right tools," Adeosun said.

His remarks underscored the belief that Nigerian artisans possess the talent needed to compete internationally, provided they receive the right training, certification and access to modern technology.

International Experts Encourage Knowledge Transfer

British training consultant James Young encouraged participants to remain committed throughout the programme, noting that they had been provided with the tools, equipment and learning resources required to develop world-class technical skills.

"We have been given the resources, the tools and the equipment. What we need now is your commitment, and we will equip you with skills that you can pass on to others across different trades," Young said.

On behalf of the participants, trainee Mukhtar Oloriegbe thanked the ITF leadership and international consultants for creating opportunities that would strengthen both individual careers and Nigeria's wider technical workforce.

Practical Learning at the Core

The event concluded with a guided tour of the ITF's training facilities, where participants and guests inspected workshops, specialised equipment and practical learning spaces that will support the eight-week certification programme.

The emphasis on practical, competency-based learning reflects the programme's broader objective of producing highly skilled artisans capable of meeting both domestic and international industry demands.

Why This Matters

As countries increasingly compete through skills, innovation and advanced manufacturing, vocational education has become a critical driver of economic growth. By aligning technical training with internationally recognised standards, Nigeria is investing not only in individual careers but also in the long-term competitiveness of its workforce.

If successfully expanded nationwide, the programme could help reduce youth unemployment, close the country's technical skills gap, improve productivity across key industries and create new opportunities for Nigerian artisans in both local and international labour markets.

Editor's Note

For decades, vocational education has often been viewed as a secondary option rather than a first-choice career pathway. Yet the global economy tells a different story. Nations that dominate manufacturing, construction, renewable energy and advanced infrastructure do so because they invest deeply in skilled trades—not merely through training, but through recognised standards, continuous upskilling and industry collaboration.

Nigeria's certification initiative represents more than an education programme; it reflects a broader shift in thinking. International credentials transform skills into portable economic value, allowing workers to compete beyond national borders while raising the quality benchmark at home.

The true measure of success, however, will not be the 100 certificates awarded at the end of eight weeks. It will be whether these newly certified professionals go on to train thousands more, strengthen local industries, inspire greater respect for technical careers and demonstrate that vocational excellence can be as transformative as any university degree. Sustainable economic development begins not only with policy but with people whose skills are recognised, trusted and continually nurtured.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the FG-ITF international certification programme?

It is an eight-week training initiative launched by Nigeria's Federal Government and the Industrial Training Fund to provide internationally recognised certifications to artisans and technical trainers.

2. How many participants are involved in the first phase?

The inaugural programme includes 100 participants—80 ITF instructors and 20 master artisans from across Nigeria.

3. What certifications will participants receive?

Participants will earn:

• Trade Level 3 Certification
• Teaching and Training Certification
• Assessor Certification

4. Why is the programme important?

The initiative aims to improve technical education, reduce reliance on foreign skilled workers, enhance workforce competitiveness and create internationally recognised career opportunities for Nigerian artisans.

5. Will the programme expand beyond Abuja?

Yes. The ITF plans to replicate the programme across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones to reach more artisans and technical professionals.

6. Who are the programme's key partners?

The initiative is led by the Federal Government and the Industrial Training Fund, with support from international consultants and collaboration with the Bank of Industry for upgrading training infrastructure.

7. How will the programme benefit Nigeria's economy?

By producing globally certified technical professionals, the programme is expected to strengthen local industries, improve productivity, reduce skills shortages and create a more competitive workforce.