By BLESSING ODEGA

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has secured approval from the City and Guilds of London, UK, to operate as a certified examination centre.

The Director-General (D-G) of ITF, Dr Afiz Ogun, said that the fund joined six other approved centres in Nigeria in the certification.

Ogun, in a statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr Thomas Ngor, on Saturday in Jos, said the approval was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of City and Guilds, Kirstie Donnelly.

The D-G stated that with the approval, the fund could conduct examinations for various qualifications.

He said ITF can conduct examinations for Level 2 Diploma in Engineering (Electrical & Electronics Technology, Maintenance Technology) and Level 2 Diploma in Housekeeping Services, Food Preparation & Culinary Art.

According to him, the other examinations which the ITF could conduct are the Foundation Certificates in Basic Electronic Engineering and Basic Plumbing, Levels 2 and 3 in ICT Systems and Principles, Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying and Levels 2 and 3 IVQ in IT Systems Support.

The D-G said that the ITF got its certification following multiple inspections of its facilities nationwide since December 2023 and a Train-the-Trainer workshop for 22 ITF officers who would oversee training and examinations.

He described the development as a major step toward giving Nigerian artisans internationally recognised qualifications, which would enhance their job opportunities globally.

Ogun added that the certification was in alignment with the ITF?s mission to set and evaluate training standards as well as provide need-based human capital interventions in line with global best practices.

?It is also especially crucial for the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA), which is a programme implemented by the ITF for the Federal Government to train, retrain, certify and license Nigerian artisans to international standards.

?SUPA aims to enhance the employability of artisans both locally and internationally by providing access to internationally recognised certification, thereby fostering self-reliance,? he said.

The D-G further said that the ITF was also in discussions with other certification bodies like Alberk QA to meet international artisanal needs.

He said the aim is to make Nigeria a leading exporter of skilled manpower, alongside countries like India, China, and Indonesia. (NAN)

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