FG to Upskill 100,000 Artisans Nationwide

Written by Jerry Alomatu on June 3, 2025

News Views: 98

The Federal Government has announced plans to train 100,000 artisans across Nigeria under the Skill Up Artisan Super initiative, a flagship programme of President Bola Tinubu’s administration aimed at transforming the country’s artisan workforce to meet international standards.

This announcement was made through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) during the inauguration of the South-West Secretariat of the Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) in Akure, Ondo State.

The ITF’s Director-General, Afiz Ogun, highlighted the programme as a key part of the administration’s broader strategy to elevate local tradespeople from substandard practices to globally recognized proficiency.

The initiative, which commenced in 2024 by training 29,000 artisans and individuals transitioning into artisan roles, is expected to expand significantly in 2025. The goal is to reach a broader range of professionals, including barbers, tailors, auto mechanics, electricians, and other skilled workers, with comprehensive training that enhances their capabilities and job prospects.

According to Ogun, the government’s vision is to ensure that Nigerian artisans no longer lag behind their global counterparts in terms of skill and competence. The programme seeks to address the issue of subpar workmanship and promote dignity in manual labor, thereby enabling artisans to take pride in their professions.

He also clarified that the initiative is inclusive and apolitical, aiming to benefit all artisans regardless of political affiliation or geographic location. The plan is for every participant to receive training that can position them as credible, skilled professionals both within and outside the country.

In response, the ASNAT chairman for Ondo State, Babatunde Oyeleye, encouraged his members to fully embrace the opportunity. He stressed the importance of continued education and skill enhancement, pointing out that the support from the federal government offers a chance for artisans to access training many otherwise could not afford.

Participants in the scheme are expected to gain practical knowledge that not only improves their income-earning potential but also reduces the incidence of young artisans abandoning their trades for low-paying alternatives, such as commercial motorcycle operations.

The programme aligns with the government’s broader objective to reduce unemployment and empower the informal sector, which forms a significant part of Nigeria’s economy. It also reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that vocational professions are seen as viable and respectable career paths.