Culture and Tourism

Kangiwa Promises Training Support For Tourism Institutions In Nigeria

Published

3 years ago

February 10, 2022

By Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Nura Sani Kangiwa has reiterated the commitment of the Institute in partnering with institutions across the country for training and capacity development of professional practices in the Travel-Tourism and Hospitality sector of the country.

Seated Right is Nura S Kangiwa, DG-NIHOTOUR and his Guests, seated Left from Mkar University, Gboko – Benue state led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Z A Gundu during the Courtesy Visit

In a press statement issued by the Director, Media & Public Relations, Ahmed Mohammed Sule said Kangiwa stated this when he received the Vice Chancellor of the University of Mkar, Gboko – Benue State, Prof. Zacharys Anger Gundu who paid him a courtesy visit at the headquarters of the Institute in Abuja, he stressed that partnerships and collaborations the Institute entered with all tourism Institutes and organizations are based on training to enhance capacity building and professional upgrade of practitioners in the industry and not meant to abrogate its responsibilities of certification, registration and licensing of industry personnel and practices in the sector to any other outfit or organization

He refuted insinuations in some quarters that partnership between NIHOTOUR and the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) to include registration, licensing and certification of professional practices in the industry as untrue and a misrepresentation of what the partnership entails, noting that the partnership is a healthy one meant to train NIHOTOUR staff in its campuses across the country as well as Career Guide Training for youths at the 2022 Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo of ITPN

The Director General stressed that as Coordinator of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria, Registration and Certification of professional personnel and practices in the industry is the prerogative of NIHOTOUR and the custodian of the Database of professional practitioners of the industry in the country.

In his remarks during the visit, Prof. Zacharys Anger Gundu, Vice Chancellor of University of Mkar, Gboko – Benue State said the need for the University to have a vibrant Travel Tourism and Hospitality Department necessitated the partnership with NIHOTOUR, saying that the visit was to consolidate on the Memorandum of Understanding between the University and the Institute.

Prof. Gundu who stressed the relevance of the tourism industry in the economic diversification of the Nigerian economy, said Benue state in particular is highly endowed with tourism potentials that requires the professional services of skilled middle and high level manpower to explore the potentials for the socio-economic benefits of Benue State in particular, Nigeria at large.

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Creative Industry

NTDA, ITPN Sign Pact to Enhance Professionalism in Tourism Sector

Published

20 hours ago

June 6, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

In a strategic move to strengthen professionalism and build capacity within Nigeria’s tourism industry, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has forged a partnership with the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN).

During a courtesy visit to the Authority, the ITPN delegation led by Mrs. Fatimah Obadaki, Chairperson, FCT Chapter emphasized the need for structured collaboration aimed at equipping tourism personnel with industry-relevant skills and enhancing service standards across the sector.

She highlighted that the visit was rooted in the institute’s mission to foster partnerships that promote high standards of service delivery and human capital development in the Nigerian tourism and hospitality sectors.

In his remarks, Dr. Olaleye Taiwo Famogbiyole, FITPN, Registrar of the ITPN, FCT Chapter, emphasized the pressing need to bridge the skill gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements. “The knowledge our graduates bring into the industry is no longer sufficient. We must adopt industry-recognized training programs to align university education with practical industry expectations. As an awarding body within the hospitality, travel, and allied trades ecosystem, we see a vital need to professionalize the sector,” Dr. Famogbiyole stated.

He further called for collaboration with NTDA in training staff in tour operations, tour guiding services and destination management. He proposed that NTDA staff be enrolled as members of the institute and benefit from its tailored training programs.

Dr. Famogbiyole also commended NTDA for its unwavering support of the National Tourism and Transportation Summit (NTTS), one of ITPN’s flagship initiatives. “NTDA has been a consistent and invaluable partner in the success of the NTTS over the years,” he noted.

In response, Mr. Ovie Esewhaye, Director overseeing the Office of the Director General of NTDA, welcomed the ITPN team and praised their resilience and commitment to professionalizing the sector despite prevailing economic challenges.

“At NTDA, we are repositioned for effective performance through strategic collaborations. We are open to partnerships that enhance the capabilities of our workforce. I pledge that all NTDA directors will be enrolled as members of the Institute and we will ensure our staff benefit from the various training programs offered by ITPN,” Mr. Esewhaye assured.

He further revealed that NTDA is undergoing a digital transformation and working towards ISO certifications to improve operational efficiency. “We want to be a benchmark for tourism standards in Africa,” he said.

Mr. Esewhaye reaffirmed NTDA’s commitment to the National Tourism and Transportation Summit and expressed willingness to participate in its upcoming edition. He also accepted ITPN’s invitation to participate in the Abuja Tourism Roundtable scheduled for July 2025, emphasizing, “As long as it has to do with promoting tourism, we will be there.”

The visit marked a significant step in strengthening institutional ties aimed at enhancing professionalism and capacity within Nigeria’s tourism sector.

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