Culture and Tourism

NIHOTOUR Seeks Inclusion Of Institute In TETFUND

Published

5 years ago

November 17, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism NIHOTOUR has advocated the inclusion of tourism hospitality institute in the list of Tertiary Education Trust Fund TETFUND among the beneficiaries to enable it access intervention funds for skills training.

The institute stated that if her the request is granted it will not only help the institutes but would help the growth and development of tourism hospitality sector in the country.

Director-General, of NIHOTOUR Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, made this appeal on Tuesday in Abuja during the visit of National Board for Technical Education NBTE monitoring and evaluation team, on National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) to the Institute.

Alhaji Kangiwa who was represented by the Director of General Studies and Research Development, Dr Taiwo Famogbiyele appreciated the NBTE for the initiative in introducing the NSQF programme.

According to him, we wish to passionately appeal to the NBTE Management to consider profiling NIHOTOUR in the list of institutions it sends to the TETFUN to enable us access intervention funds for skills training, specialized skills qualification training for our personnel as well as for infrastructural development.

Kangiwa further said that some activities of the council and action plans required immediate attention.

“One of the activities in need of attention is to seek interventions to sponsor the review and upgrade of the NSQ National Occupational Standards.”

The NIHOTOUR boss appreciated the board for its understanding to build the institute’s capacity for the NSQ delivery.

“One of our challenges is that the council needs exposure and study tour to countries where such councils are functional to perfect our operations.

“For NIHOTOUR as a training provider, we are faced with the challenge of expanding training structure, facilities, tools and equipment, as well as trainer expertise upgrade.”

He lamented the poor enrolment into NSQ programmes despite the yearly advertisement and sensitization activities urging parent, guardian and individuals for patronage.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NBTE Ekpenyong E. Ekpenyong who was equally represented at the occasion by the Director Vocational Technical and Skill Development Husani Muhammad said that the essence of the meeting is to monitor and inspects NIHOTOUR activities and see how to improve on it as a service provider.

He said hospitality is the largest employers of labour in the world

While replying the request made by NIHOTOUR DG, Acting Executive Secretary. Ekpenyong commended NIHOTOUR for the institulization of NSQ from inception.

He said: “the only institutions that are enjoying TETFUND are conversational institutions such as colleges of Agriculture, colleges of technologies.

He, however, promised that the NBTE is working round the clock to ensure the barrier is broken to enable all institutions like NIHOTOUR to start enjoying the fund from TETFUND.

Speaking on the visit, NBTE Boss said: “Our arrival here is to monitor, see and inspect the activities of NIHOTOUR and we are proud of you because of your commitment.

“The partnership you have built with NBTE in the training of NSQ Quality Assurance Assessor and Internal Quality Assurance Managers are recommendable.”

In his goodwill message, President Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Alhaji Rabo Saleh, congratulated NIHOTOUR for allowing NBTE carry out an inspection of its work to ensure standards.

Share on Facebook

Creative Industry

NTDA, ITPN Sign Pact to Enhance Professionalism in Tourism Sector

Published

21 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.

Share on Facebook