Creative Industry

We Trains To Address Skill Gap And Unemployment In The Industry- NIHOTOUR

Published

4 years ago

July 19, 2021

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa has stated that the recent spate of trainings undertaken by the Institute nationwide is to address the skill gaps inherent in the nation’s Travel Tourism and Hospitality industry in the face of unemployment bedeviling the sector.

Alhaji Kangiwa who stated this in an address read on his behalf by the Director, Department of General Studies, Dr. Taiwo Famogbiyele at the Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Training Program for Women in Hair Braiding, Fixing and Styling organized by the South West Zonal Campus of the Institute in Lagos further noted that empowering women will provide them the opportunities for self-employment and thus fight poverty and hunger in the country.

He said that as part of the mandate of the Institute, it will continue to engage the vulnerable category of Nigerian youths and women in the provision of skills that will make them both employable and self-employed, stating that with the Institute’s Campuses now present in the Six-Geo Political Zones of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, its trainings are now more than ever before easily accessible and available at the doorsteps of every deserving Nigerian Youth to be skillfully empowered.

In a Goodwill message to the event, Pharm Uzamat Akinbile Yussuf, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture represented by Mrs. Ada Oni, Director of Tourism Promotion in the State Ministry, promised continued support of the state government to NIHOTOUR in its efforts at empowering women and youths in the state to be useful and functional members of the society.

Also speaking at the occasion, Amb. Nneka Issac-Moses of Goge Africa who applauded the initiative of NIHOTOUR to empower women via skill acquisition said the economic value associated with skillful manpower product is unquantifiable and the import, beyond local boundary, urging beneficiaries of the training to make judicious and best use of skills and knowledge they have acquired.

Earlier in her brief remark at the occasion, the Coordinator and Head of the South West Zonal Campus of NIHOTOUR-Lagos, Mrs. Chinyere Uche-Ibeabuchi said with the competent and dedicated staff, and committed leadership that the Institute is currently blessed and endowed with, provision of high-level skill training to enhance the quality of manpower needs of the Travel Tourism and Hospitality industry in the country is highly guaranteed and assured.

She expressed the appreciation of the Zonal Campus of the Institute for the support it is enjoying from industry key players and stakeholders in all activities of the Institute even at short notice, stating that this level of cooperation is what is desired beyond anything to move the industry forward.

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Creative Industry

NTDA, ITPN Sign Pact to Enhance Professionalism in Tourism Sector

Published

1 day 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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