Acting President, Nigerian Hotel and Catering Institute and Chairperson, National Technical/Mirror Committee of Tourism and Related Services, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo Babalola, speaks on how tourism contributes to national development, bridging knowledge gap in hospitality industry, among other issues. Charles Ajunwa brings the excerpts:
Are there efforts to bridge the knowledge gap in the hospitality industry?
Yes, significant efforts are being made to bridge the knowledge gap in Nigeria’s hospitality industry. Professional bodies, academic institutions, regulatory agencies, and industry practitioners are increasingly collaborating to provide capacity-building programmes, certifications, executive training, and continuous professional development initiatives. The integration of technology, artificial intelligence, revenue management, sustainability practices, and global best practices into hospitality education is also helping to equip professionals with relevant competencies. However, more work still needs to be done to strengthen the linkage between academia and industry; and particularly among industry players. Hospitality curricula must remain responsive to emerging industry trends, while employers should invest more in staff training, mentorship, internships, and practical exposure. Bridging the knowledge gap requires a collective effort from government, educational institutions, industry associations, and private sector operators.
