The Federal Government has announced plans to train and upgrade at least 100,000 Nigerian artisans in 2025 through the “Skill Up Artisan Super” programme, a flagship initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The goal: Eradicate quackery, restore dignity to skilled trades, and raise artisans to global standards across fields like barbing, tailoring, bricklaying, auto mechanics, and electrical works.
Programme Highlights:
29,000 artisans were trained in 2024, 100,000 more are targeted for 2025.
Training will be conducted by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
Open to all artisans regardless of political affiliation
Speaking at the launch of the South-West Secretariat of the Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) in Akure, ITF Director-General Afiz Ogun emphasized:
“This is the first time in Nigeria’s history that a president is fully backing the artisans. Every artisan is President Tinubu’s candidate—no political bias.”
He stressed that upskilling will restore pride and increase income opportunities, helping artisans transition from “quackery” to professionalism and reduce the number leaving trade work for jobs like commercial motorcycling.
Why It Matters:
•Nigerian artisans often lose out to foreign counterparts due to skill gaps
•The initiative seeks to reverse brain drain and make local craftsmen competitive globally
•Encourages dignity of labour and supports the informal economy, which employs millions
ASNAT Chairman Babatunde Oyeleye urged all artisans to enroll and embrace the opportunity:
“Now that the government has come to our aid, every artisan in Nigeria should key into the programme. It’s about future-proofing your skills.”
