The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious plan to train 100,000 artisans across the country in 2025, aiming to stimulate economic growth through enhanced skill acquisition, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Focus on Artisan Skill Development
Dr. Oluwatoyin Ogun, Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), revealed this development during the official opening of the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) Secretariat in Ondo State’s Akure on Tuesday.
Dr. Ogun highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on developing the country’s artisan workforce as a key driver for national progress. He described the government’s initiative, called the “Skill Up Artisan Super” program, as a comprehensive strategy designed to elevate Nigerian artisans to compete on a global scale.
“The president’s goal is to ensure that Nigerian artisans can match the standards of their counterparts worldwide,” Dr. Ogun stated. “He pledged during his campaign to support artisans, and that commitment is being fulfilled now.”
Historic Support for Artisans
Dr. Ogun underscored that this initiative represents an unprecedented level of government attention on artisans in Nigeria’s history. “Never before has a sitting president made artisans a priority like this,” he said.
The program began last year with the upgrade of 29,000 non-artisans into certified artisans. Building on that success, the government plans to scale up training for 100,000 artisans in 2025, aiming to elevate their skills to internationally recognized standards.
Combating Quackery and Enhancing Professionalism
A key objective of the initiative is to eliminate quackery within the artisan sector. Dr. Ogun explained that by ensuring proper training and certification, the government intends to end the prevalence of unqualified practitioners.
“When artisans start earning well from their trade, they won’t need to seek alternative livelihoods such as motorcycle riding,” he said. “This will naturally reduce quackery. The president is determined to make this happen, ensuring every artisan holds a valid practicing license.”
He further emphasized that this program will restore dignity to manual labor, empowering artisans to confidently uphold and defend their professions.
Support from ASNAT and Alignment with Industrial Goals
Dr. Ogun also announced plans to expand training to include technicians from specialized institutions, aligning their skills with industry demands. This move supports President Tinubu’s broader vision for an industrial revolution in Nigeria.
In response, Mr. Adeshina Akinyemi, National Coordinator of ASNAT, praised the government’s efforts, expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for championing economic transformation through skill development.
Akinyemi highlighted the Industrial Training Fund’s commitment under the current administration to continually upgrade Nigerian artisans to global standards, enhancing their competitiveness.
