ITF Gets City & Guilds Accreditation for Artisan Training Exams

By Oluwakemi Kindness

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

The move is set to give Nigerian artisans access to globally recognised qualifications.

The approval, signed by City & Guilds CEO, Kirstie Donnelly, makes the ITF one of only six centres in Nigeria with such recognition. It covers a range of qualifications, including:

* Level 2 Diploma in Engineering (Electrical & Electronics Technology, Maintenance Technology)

* Level 2 Diploma in Housekeeping Services, Food Preparation and Culinary Arts

* Foundation Certificate in Basic Electronic Engineering and Basic Plumbing

* Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in ICT Systems and Principles

* Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying

* Level 2 IVQ in IT Systems Support and Level 3 IVQ Advanced Diploma in IT Systems Support

A statement on Monday by the Head of Press, ITF, Thomas Ngor, says the endorsement follows several inspection visits to ITF facilities nationwide, beginning in December 2023, and a Train-the-Trainer workshop for 22 ITF officers who will supervise training and examinations.

Speaking on the certification, ITF Director-General, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin-Ogun, says the development will boost employment prospects for Nigerian artisans and help reduce poverty.

“With this approval, our artisans can gain qualifications accepted worldwide, opening doors to jobs abroad. It also strengthens our mission to meet global training standards,” Ogun stated.

He notes that the approval would drive the Federal Government’s Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) programme, aimed at training, retraining, certifying and licensing artisans to international standards.

The ITF is also engaging other global certification bodies, including Alberk QA, for similar partnerships.

According to him, Nigeria could become a major exporter of skilled manpower like India, China and Indonesia, earning foreign exchange in the process. The Fund is already in talks with embassies and foreign missions to align training with their manpower needs.