Culture and Tourism
Recognition of Prior Learning is Key in Certification of Uncertified Skilled Personnel in Tourism Industry-ITPN
Joel Ajayi
Inclusion of prior knowledge in Professional certification in skills and hands-on training has been described as the foremost way of enhancing the workforce and appropriate job placement of personnel in the travel, tourism, hospitality, and related trades sector of the country.
Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, National President of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), who made the assertion over the weekend at the Tourism Round-table Conference and induction of new members for the North Central zone of the Institute held in Makurdi, Benue state, said it is high time Nigeria gave recognition to people with competency acquired outside of the formal learning process otherwise known as ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ (RPL)
The ITPN National President said that the vogue now globally, is assessing and grading individuals with competent skills and knowledge acquired through on the job learning and lifetime experiences for certification so that they are not only employable, but are placed on appropriate cadre and paid remuneration commensurate to their skills and certification level.
He noted that ITPN, as the country’s premier awarding body for the travel, tourism, hospitality and related trades and providing qualifications and certifications, will leave no stone unturned in the recognition and utilization of prior learning and skills acquired therefrom to appropriately grade and certify the workforce in the industry.
In a paper titled Recognition and Certification of Prior Learning: The Way Forward for Hospitality and Tourism in Nigeria, presented by A. M. Sheriff, National Vice President of ITPN at the occasion, stated that human capital is one of the most critical requirements in the development of any tourism destination, noting further that the introduction of Nigeria Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), a system for development, classification and recognition of skills, knowledge and competence acquired by individuals, irrespective of where and how the training or skill was acquired, is a noble initiative.
Sheriff noted that through this process where the learner is enabled to learn, connect and belong to a chosen profession, e.g. hospitality, travel and tourism, where most of the employees have acquired unrecognized knowledge and skills on the job, but lacked certification for progression can now be assessed, graded and certified accordingly for proper employment, placement, remuneration and can have career progression professionally.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Coordinator of the North Central zone of ITPN- Makurdi, Mrs. Susan Seember Iyoryasa, noted with pleasure the increasing number of membership of the Institute in the zone, stating that awareness has been created of the importance of proper certification of all practitioners in the industry as well as membership enrolment of the Institute.
While welcoming the new inductees of the Institute, she urged them to be of good ambassadors of ITPN wherever they may find themselves and in the conduct of their businesses and professional callings in travel, tourism and hospitality industry.
In an address he delivered at the occasion, Hon. Mathew Abo, Benue state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, reiterated the commitment of the Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia’s administration in developing the tourism sector of the state for sustainable economic growth and development.
He said in addition to being the food basket of the country, Benue state is blessed with abundant tourism potentials which the present administration of the state is prepared to harness for the socio-economic good of the people.
In their respective Goodwill messages at the event, both the Benue state Commissioner of Police, Mr. George Chuku and the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr. Yakubu Ibrahim, said security is a critical aspect of tourism of which they are prepared at all time to safe guard the lives and property of visitors to the state, pointing out that disclosure of vital information by members of the public is important in fighting crime, especially in crime prevention efforts of the two Commands.
The event which was attended by stakeholders and key players in the industry from Plateau, Nasarawa and host state, Benue, witnessed the induction of 22 new members comprising of Students, Associates and Members, with the state Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Mathew Abo decorated as an Honourable Member of the Institute.
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Culture and Tourism
Awakan Marks First Anniversary as NTDA DG, Charts New Course for Tourism Sector
Joel Ajayi
As the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) enters its second year under the leadership of the Director-General, Mr. Ola Awakan, the focus will remain on building partnerships and converting Nigeria’s tourism assets into greater opportunities for investment and accelerated economic growth.
That simple message framed the one year scorecard presented on Wednesday by Mr. Awakan during NTDA Tourism Week 2026 and activities leading to World Tourism Day held in Abuja.
“Nigeria does not lack tourism assets,” Awakan said. “What is required is a system that connects these assets to investments, jobs, technology, enterprise and sustainable economic value.” He added.
Reeling out his scorecard, Awakan observed that over the past year, the Authority concentrated on stakeholder engagement, innovation, investment facilitation, digital transformation, destination marketing, tourism intelligence and institution building.
He explained that efforts have been made towards deeper collaboration with government institutions, traditional institutions, private-sector operators, development partners, financial institutions, professional bodies, communities and international partners.
On the digital front, the NTDA boss said the Authority has advanced NITOUREY, a dedicated tourism streaming platform and content ecosystem meant to take Nigerian destinations, culture and experiences to wider audiences, in alignment with this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Digital agenda and artificial intelligence to redesign Tourism”.
He also identified Naija Flavour as a flagship project to position Nigerian cuisine as both a tourism asset and a tool for cultural diplomacy, linking tourism to Nollywood, music, fashion, food, festivals and digital creativity.
Speaking further, Awakan reiterated that the NTDA is also digitising tourism enterprise accreditation and regulatory processes while developing a grassroots tourism framework to identify, document and promote assets across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
Internationally, NTDA has expanded ties with tourism institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners and global organisations on technical cooperation, investment, destination marketing, capacity building, cultural diplomacy and market access.
The NTDA helmsman however recognised that challenges remain such as infrastructure gaps, weak tourism data, limited connectivity to some destinations, security concerns in certain locations, regulatory compliance shortfalls and the need for stronger private-sector participation.
Awakan remained positive looking ahead with his priorities including the mobilisation of more tourism investment, accelerating the development of viable assets, expanding domestic and international marketing through deeper digital transformation, strengthening regulation, increasing community participation, building capacity of tourism professionals and deepening partnerships with international tourism institutions.
The DG also announced plans for the expanded Naija Flavour International Tourism Expo to be unveiled in Abuja later this year making it the ultimate platform aimed at drawing international participation, investors and development partners into the sector.
While thanking President Bola Tinubu GCFR for giving him the opportunity to serve, he added that, “One year in office is not the destination. It is a checkpoint,” reiterating that the next phase would require stronger partnerships, greater investment and sustained institutional commitment.
Earlier, the Director of Marketing and Promotion of NTDA Mr. Olufemi Akinyele, said the milestone was being marked as part of NTDA Tourism Week, which began with a road walk and a guided tour of Abuja under the theme “Digital Vibes, Nigerian Pride: Celebrating Tourism, Culture and People.”
Government and industry representatives at the event congratulated the Director General and commended the Authority’s increased engagement with tourism stakeholders.
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