FEDPOFFA SDC Organizes Awareness Campaign on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Offa/Oyun Artisan Presidents and Trade Chairmen

The Skill Development Centre of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, in collaboration with the Polytechnic Management, has organized a one-day awareness campaign on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Presidents and Chairmen of various artisan trades across Offa and Oyun Local Government Areas of Kwara State.

The programme, held on Thursday, 24th April 2025 at the Mini Campus of the Polytechnic, had as its theme: “Recognition of Prior Learning: Empowering Artisans for National Development.”

Speaking at the event, the Centre Coordinator and facilitator, Engr. Tech. Alabi Abdullateef Olatunde, explained that RPL is a process that validates and formally recognizes the knowledge, skills, and competencies artisans have gained through informal or non-formal learning environments.

He stated that RPL does not replace conventional education qualifications like diplomas or degrees, but it provides a formal certification pathway for artisans whose skills were acquired outside the traditional school system.
This initiative, he emphasized, is a critical skills development strategy adopted into the Nigerian education system to formally uplift the informal sector, foster inclusion, and create more economic opportunities for skilled workers.

*Importance of RPL to Artisans*

On the importance of RPL to Artisans in Nigeria, Engr. Alabi noted that RPL is crucial for the growth of the Nigerian economy adding that artisans form the backbone of various industries such as construction, ICT, manufacturing, services, and agriculture. He stated that formalizing artisans’ competencies through RPL will enhance their professional status, improve the quality and standardization of their service delivery and empower them to contribute more significantly to national development efforts.

He explained that RPL helps bridge the divide between informal sector activities and formal sector recognition, contributing to sustainable development and national competitiveness.

*Benefits of RPL to All Artisans*

During his presentation, Engr. Alabi highlighted key benefits of RPL for artisans among which are issuance of nationally recognized skill certificates, increased access to better job opportunities and business contracts, eligibility for government empowerment programs, grants, and interventions, opportunities for continuous professional development and upskilling and recognition and dignity for craftsmanship, leading to increased self-confidence and social respect.

Speaking further, he reiterated that RPL certificates validate an artisan’s competence, opening doors for higher career achievements without necessarily attending formal school settings.

*Why Artisans’ Recognition is Needed in Nigeria*

Drawing from insights he gathered during the NBTE/TETFund National Workshop on RPL held at Chelsea Hotel, Abuja between 14th and 18th April, 2025, Engr. Alabi affirmed that “a large percentage of Nigeria’s workforce operates in the informal sector without formal certifications, limiting their economic opportunities; Recognizing artisans’ skills through RPL helps reduce unemployment, enhances productivity, and promotes economic inclusion; RPL aligns Nigeria with global best practices where informal learning recognition is key to national human resource development and that RPL positions Nigerian artisans for global competitiveness, especially under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He informed the participants that NBTE has mandated all Skill Development Centres nationwide to conduct awareness campaigns to encourage artisans to participate and benefit from the RPL programme.

In his goodwill message, the Executive President of the Offa Artisan Congress, Mr. Sulyman Yusuf (Allahway), expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government, NBTE, TETFund, and the Management of the Federal Polytechnic Offa for bringing the RPL opportunity to their communities.

He described the RPL initiative as a “golden opportunity” for artisans to gain formal recognition, boost their trades, and access government empowerment schemes.

Mr. Yusuf also appealed to NBTE and the Polytechnic Management to support the artisans further with economic empowerment interventions, such as grants and provision of modern tools, which would help them expand their businesses and contribute to reducing poverty in Offa and Oyun Local Governments.