Culture and Tourism

Recognition of Prior Learning is Key in Certification of Uncertified Skilled Personnel in Tourism Industry-ITPN

Published

3 years ago

December 18, 2023

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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Creative Industry

NTDA, LEXLUC Sign MoU to Unlock Nigeria’s Domestic Tourism Potential

Published

2 days ago

October 23, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd. to promote domestic tourism, cultural heritage and destination awareness across Nigeria.

The agreement establishes a framework for implementing and expanding the Meet My Town, Know My State tourism initiative, which aims to encourage Nigerians to explore destinations within the country, learn about their cultural heritage and support greater community participation in tourism.

Speaking at the signing, Chief Executive Officer of LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd., Mr Oluwole Ajayi, said the initiative was developed to help Nigeria harness its tourism potential, attract investment and create more opportunities within the sector.

“Tourism is number one employer worldwide. Whether we like it or not, we have to key into it and make sure it becomes the number one employer in Nigeria, too,” Ajayi said.

He also referenced plans for a proposed West African Jollof Rice Championship and Tourism Festival, which he said could complement the initiative’s broader objectives. The proposed event is expected to form part of future tourism activities, subject to the necessary planning and approvals.

Ajayi expressed confidence that the collaboration with NTDA would help advance the initiative and attract investors to Nigeria’s tourism industry.

Director-General of NTDA, Mr Ola Awakan, said the partnership alignes with the authority’s mandate to promote and develop tourism, noting that collaboration with the private sector was important to the sector’s growth.

“It’s a laudable project. We are going to give you national and institutional backing. You are also helping us achieve our mandate, and we are helping you to bring your idea to fruition. So, it is a win-win situation. All of this is in the interest of Nigeria,” Awakan said.

He commended Ajayi for sustaining the initiative and reaffirmed NTDA’s commitment to supporting its objectives within the authority’s mandate.

The Meet My Town, Know My State initiative is designed to raise awareness of Nigeria’s destinations, promote cultural heritage and encourage domestic travel. Its activities may include organised tours, tourism education, awareness campaigns, events and stakeholder engagements across the country.

Under the MoU, LEXLUC will coordinate and implement approved activities, develop tourism packages, mobilise sponsorship and partnerships, and report on progress. NTDA will provide relevant tourism information, institutional coordination, policy guidance and support for stakeholder engagement, subject to its mandate and applicable approval processes.

The signing was coordinated by Head of Legal Services at NTDA, Olufunke Soleye, and Head of Legal at LEXLUC, Mary Oluwatoyin Noibi-Edoze. Director of the Marketing and Promotions Department at NTDA, Mr Olufemi Akinyele, was also present alongside staff members of the department.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations to expand awareness of Nigeria’s tourism offerings and encourage greater participation in domestic tourism.

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