BREAKING: FG Begins Certifying Artisans Nationwide — NBTE Flags Off Master Craft Recognition in Enugu

The Federal Government’s push to formalize and empower Nigeria’s skilled workforce is picking up speed as the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) officially begins certifying master craft persons under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).

In Enugu, the momentum was unmistakable as the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) hosted the Induction Ceremony for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification process — a landmark event in Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative.

Speaking during the ceremony, IMT Rector, Professor Gozie Obodo, praised the Federal Government and NBTE for the timely intervention. He emphasized that IMT is fully aligned with the national drive to enhance employability through vocational skills and entrepreneurship.

“The certification of previously unrecognized skilled artisans marks a new era for Nigeria’s workforce,” Prof. Obodo stated. “We are proud to be part of this historic process.”

NBTE’s Southeast Zonal Director, Engr. Dr. Ngozi Margaret Okelekwe, lauded IMT for its steady growth as a hub for skill and enterprise training. In a personal touch, she even commended the IMT Bakery Section, jokingly revealing her satisfaction after purchasing their bread earlier that day.

The RPL certification allows individuals who have acquired hands-on experience outside formal education settings to be assessed and officially certified. This not only validates their existing competencies but also boosts their chances of employment and career advancement across multiple industries.

This certification campaign is part of a wider strategy by the FG to create a structured and recognized skills ecosystem under the NSQF, allowing artisans, technicians, and tradespeople to gain recognition and compete favorably in both local and international labor markets.

With the ongoing rollout, NBTE plans to replicate similar ceremonies across the country — making it easier for thousands of Nigerians to transition from informal to formal sectors with recognized credentials in hand.