The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has experienced a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Director-General Nura Sani Kangiwa. Appointed in September 2020, Kangiwa has made significant strides in improving tourism education, particularly in rural areas of Nigeria, elevating the institute to new heights.
Established in 1987 through a collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Labour Organisation, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, NIHOTOUR’s mission has been to bridge the skills gap in the country’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Over the years,
The institute’s reach has expanded from a single campus in Bagauda, Kano State, to multiple campuses across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Despite its expansion, NIHOTOUR faced several challenges, including insufficient funding, limited public awareness, and ineffective student enrollment programs.
However, Kangiwa’s leadership has turned the institute’s fortunes around. In the past four years, NIHOTOUR has become the leading tourism and hospitality agency in Nigeria, implementing innovative training programs that cater to the evolving needs of the industry.
Under Kangiwa’s guidance, NIHOTOUR has achieved several milestones:
1. Expansion of Campuses: The number of NIHOTOUR campuses has increased from eight in 2020 to twelve by 2024, enabling wider access to tourism education across Nigeria.
2. Introduction of New Programs: The institute has launched new programs, such as Gastronomy Tourism Studies, which includes an annual festival to promote cultural tourism. The Sustainable Tourism Entrepreneurship Program (STEP) aims to provide vocational skills to rural communities, empowering them to offer local tourist services.
3. Capacity Development: NIHOTOUR has provided extensive training for tourism operators, including tour operators, travel agents, and chefs. Over the past four years, the institute has trained over 50,000 entry-level workers and 10,000 middle and management-level personnel.
4. Youth Engagement: NIHOTOUR has championed tourism education in secondary schools, reaching over 20,000 students and inspiring them to consider careers in tourism.
5. Innovative Training Methods: The acquisition of mobile training kitchen trucks has facilitated hospitality training in remote areas, while the Train-the-Trainer programs have enhanced the skills of local instructors.
6. Legislative Support: The NIHOTOUR Establishment Act 2022 empowers the institute to train, certify, and register all personnel in Nigeria’s hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors, ensuring best practices across the industry.
Despite these achievements, NIHOTOUR continues to face funding challenges. Over the past four years, the institute’s capital budget allocation has been less than five hundred million naira. However, the Federal Government’s budgetary allocations for constituency projects have provided critical support for the institute’s training programs.
These projects, known as Special Intervention Projects (SIPs) or Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs), have enabled NIHOTOUR to deliver skills development training in underserved communities.
Constituency projects are development initiatives undertaken by elected representatives to address local community needs. These projects, funded through the public budget, vary widely, from infrastructure development to social welfare programs.
NIHOTOUR’s involvement in these projects has allowed the institute to offer specialized training programs, such as STEP and Train-the-Trainer, in areas lacking formal educational facilities.
Nura Sani Kangiwa’s tenure as Director-General has been marked by unprecedented success in NIHOTOUR’s 35-year history. His leadership has transformed the institute into a nationally and internationally recognized center for hospitality and tourism education in West Africa. As NIHOTOUR continues to expand its reach and impact, it remains committed to empowering Nigeria’s youth and fostering sustainable tourism development across the nation.
