The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have taken a bold step toward revolutionising tourism and hospitality education in Nigeria. In a high-level meeting between Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, FIMC, Director-General/CEO of NIHOTOUR, and the Executive Secretary of NUC, both institutions agreed to strategic collaborations that will align university programs with global industry standards.
The Executive Secretary of NUC strongly supported the initiative, emphasizing the need for standardized training, certification, and industry relevance in Nigeria’s growing tourism sector.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
1. Accreditation & Curriculum Development—NIHOTOUR and NUC will collaborate to integrate industry-relevant training standards into university hospitality and tourism programs. A National Benchmark for Hospitality and Tourism Studies will also be developed to align with global best practices.
2. Certification & Licensing of University Graduates – Graduates of tourism and hospitality-related courses will be required to obtain NIHOTOUR’s professional certification before being fully recognized in the industry. A joint certification pathway will be created, allowing university students to earn both an academic degree (NUC-accredited) and an industry-recognized certification (NIHOTOUR).
3. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) & Faculty Training – NIHOTOUR will provide specialised training for lecturers in tourism and hospitality programs, ensuring they are equipped with modern teaching methodologies and industry knowledge.
4. Research & Innovation in Hospitality & Tourism – The collaboration will support joint research projects, conferences, and publications aimed at improving tourism education, skills development, and policy implementation. The NIHOTOUR–NUC Research Grants will fund workforce development, sustainability, and digital transformation studies.
5. Strengthening University-Industry Linkages—Internship and apprenticeship programs will be introduced, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in NIHOTOUR-certified establishments. An industry mentorship program will also be developed to connect students and faculty with seasoned tourism and hospitality professionals.
6. Policy Advocacy & Regulation – NIHOTOUR and NUC will streamline national hospitality and tourism education policies, ensuring compliance with NIHOTOUR’s regulatory mandate. A joint task force will monitor and evaluate education standards across Nigerian universities.
7. Creation of a Tourism & Hospitality Academy University – Both institutions will explore the establishment of a Tourism & Hospitality Academy University to set new benchmarks for excellence in tourism and hospitality education in Nigeria.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Abisoye Fagade reaffirmed NIHOTOUR’s commitment to raising the standards of tourism and hospitality training in Nigeria.
“This collaboration with NUC marks a turning point in how we prepare the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals. By integrating NIHOTOUR’s industry expertise with university education, we will ensure our graduates are globally competitive, industry-ready, and equipped to drive Nigeria’s tourism sector to greater heights,” he said.
The collaboration between NIHOTOUR and NUC signals a new era for tourism and hospitality education in Nigeria, laying a solid foundation for skills development, innovation, and sustainable industry growth.