Project Master Craftsmen is a flagship initiative of The Policy and Strategy Initiative CIC, a UK-registered Community Interest Company, dedicated to driving sustainable development and economic growth in Africa, beginning in the southwestern region of Nigeria. This project is uniquely positioned to preserve and elevate traditional craftsmanship while simultaneously equipping artisans with the modern skills needed for industrialisation. By blending Yoruba metalworking and woodworking techniques with the precision and innovation of Japanese craftsmanship, this initiative not only seeks to protect cultural heritage but also to ignite a new wave of industrial skills development in Nigeria.
Project Overview
The Master Craftsmen Metalwork and Woodwork Training Initiative is a comprehensive 24-month programme aimed at transforming Nigerian artisans into master craftsmen who can thrive in both traditional and industrial settings. The project is divided into three phases: Initial Training in Nigeria, Advanced Training in Japan, and the Establishment and Operationalisation of a Guild of Master Craftsmen in Nigeria.
Key Objectives
- Preservation and Elevation: To preserve the rich traditions of Yoruba craftsmanship in metalwork and woodwork while elevating these skills through the integration of advanced Japanese techniques and values.
- Industrial Skill Development: To equip Nigerian artisans with the technical skills and modern methodologies required for industrialisation, thereby enhancing their ability to participate in and contribute to Nigeria’s growing industrial sector.
- Cultural Exchange: To foster a cultural exchange between Nigeria and Japan, promoting mutual respect and understanding through the shared values of craftsmanship.
- Economic Empowerment: To create sustainable economic opportunities for trained artisans by establishing a recognised guild that certifies and markets high-quality products, blending traditional craftsmanship with industrial standards.
Why It Matters
Nigeria’s educational system successfully produces engineers capable of conceptualising innovative solutions,however, there is a significant gap when it comes to translating these ideas into tangible products. The ability to forge and bring these concepts to life in the real world is lacking. Without embedding this practical skill set within society, it is akin to having an electrical system without a neutral or ground—potentially innovative, yet fundamentally incomplete and unable to function effectively.
Project Master Craftsmen addresses these challenges by not only preserving and revitalising traditional Yoruba craftsmanship but also equipping artisans and engineers with the hands-on industrial skills needed to transform ideas into reality. This dual approach ensures that Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage is preserved while simultaneously laying the foundation for sustainable industrial growth. By making these skills endemic within society, we create a robust system capable of driving innovation and economic development.
Moreover, in a rapidly industrialising world, there is a critical need to preserve cultural heritage while also embracing the skills required for modern industry. Ibadan, Oyo State, has a long history as a centre of craftsmanship, but the erosion of traditional values and the lack of industrial skills threaten this legacy.
Our Partners
Project Master Craftsmen is a collaborative effort involving Japanese master craftsmen, the University of Ibadan, local artisans, and proposed partners such as JICA and the MacArthur Foundation. Together, we aim to create a lasting impact by bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern industrial skills.
Get Involved
We invite artisans, cultural enthusiasts, industrialists, and supporters of sustainable development to join us in this transformative journey. There are numerous ways to contribute to and support Project Master Craftsmen. Contact us to learn more about how you can help preserve cultural heritage while promoting industrialisation in Nigeria.