The Federal Government has announced plans to train 100,000 artisans across Nigeria in 2025 as part of a major initiative to revamp the nation’s economy through skill acquisition and curb quackery in the artisan sector.

The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Ogun, disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure during the inauguration of the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) Secretariat in Ondo State.

According to Dr. Ogun, the initiative—dubbed Skill-Up Artisan Super—is a flagship programme under President Bola Tinubu’s administration aimed at upgrading Nigerian artisans to global standards.

“This is the first time in the history of Nigeria that a president will remember the artisans,” Ogun said. “President Tinubu wants to ensure Nigerian artisans are respected and competitive on the international stage. He is fulfilling his campaign promise to support and empower this sector.”

Ogun revealed that the government had already trained 29,000 non-artisans last year, upgrading them into certified artisans. Building on that success, the next phase will involve upskilling 100,000 artisans nationwide.

A key focus of the programme, Ogun noted, is the eradication of quackery in the profession by introducing licensing and certification systems. “All artisans will have their own practicing license. There will be dignity in labor. No more quackery in Nigeria,” he added.

He also emphasized the role of the ITF in training technicians from specialized institutions to meet industry standards, aligning with President Tinubu’s broader industrial revolution agenda.

In his remarks, Mr. Adeshina Akinyemi, National Coordinator of ASNAT, lauded the Tinubu-led administration for prioritizing skill development as a tool to stimulate economic growth.

“Since President Tinubu assumed office, the ITF has shown commitment to transforming Nigeria’s artisan sector, preparing them to compete with their peers globally,” Akinyemi said.

The artisan training initiative is expected to enhance productivity, create jobs, and restore professionalism across various trades in Nigeria.