By Gab Dike
The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) welcomed a high-level delegation from the National Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), South West Zone, led by the Deputy Director and Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Alice Akinsola.
The purpose of the visit was to explore avenues for collaboration that would advance the promotion of tourism and cultural heritage in Nigeria, with a focus on engaging youth and educational institutions.
In her remarks, Mrs. Akinsola expressed the NTDA’s vision to “spread the gospel of tourism and culture” across the region.
She emphasised that tertiary institutions like YABATECH are pivotal to achieving this mission, as they play a crucial role in shaping the future leaders and professionals of the tourism industry.
“Our objective is to build a sustainable future for tourism among the youth and academic institutions across Nigeria,” Mrs Akinsola stated.
She, however, highlighted the upcoming World Tourism as an ideal opportunity to initiate this partnership, which she believes will have far-reaching impacts both within and beyond the country.
The visit was met with enthusiasm by Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, who received the NTDA delegation.
In his response, Dr. Abdul expressed his deep appreciation for the NTDA’s initiative and reaffirmed YABATECH’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry.
“At YABATECH, we are dedicated to building a bridge that links the town with the gown, facilitating the holistic development of our students, the institution, and the nation at large,” he said.
Abdul outlined the college’s ongoing efforts to foster unity and collaboration with various industries, stressing that these partnerships are essential for equipping graduates with the practical skills and industry knowledge they need to be “field ready” upon entering the workforce.
He noted that YABATECH is continuously striving to ensure that its graduates are not only academically proficient but also prepared to contribute meaningfully to the industries they joined.
The discussions during the visit also underscored the importance of tourism as a catalyst for national development.
Both YABATECH and NTDA recognised the potential of their partnership to create a robust platform for promoting tourism and cultural heritage, not only within the student community but also across broader societies.
The collaboration is expected to leverage the strengths of both institutions to drive innovation and growth in the tourism sector.
Both Dr Abdul and Mrs Akinsola expressed confidence that the collaboration would set a new standard for institutional and industry partnerships in Nigeria.
“This partnership is more than just a collaboration; it is a shared commitment to building a brighter future for tourism in Nigeria,” Dr. Abdul remarked.
The rector noted that the upcoming World Tourism Day celebration would be a fitting occasion to showcase the fruits of this new alliance, with both YABATECH and NTDA poised to make significant contributions to the event.
“YABATECH is not just a centre of learning; it is a catalyst for national progress, driving innovation, and development across all sectors, including tourism,” he said.
