Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has been recognized as the “Best Tertiary Tourism Institution in Lagos” at the prestigious Destination Lagos Awards 2024.
The awards organized by Eko Destination in support of Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is to celebrate the hidden treasures and advancements in Lagos State’s tourism sector.
Yabatech beats Lagos State University, University of Lagos and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) to emerged overall best.
The maiden edition of the Awards sought to highlight the hidden gems of Lagos while rewarding those who have consistently worked to position the state as a global tourism hub.
YABATECH emerged as a standout winner for its trailblazing efforts in tourism education and its ongoing contributions to the socio-economic growth of Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
In his keynote address at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the College, Professor ‘Funso IsolaOwa Afolabi, expressed the institution’s gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed its commitment to the advancement of tourism and hospitality education in Nigeria.
Prof. Afolabi stressed the importance of YABATECH’s role in grooming the next generation of tourism professionals and contributing to the development of Lagos as a prime tourist destination.
According to him, tourism leadership development is not a day event but a continuous process which has made Yabatechan active participant in the tourism industry
What we are doing today, he said, is part of a larger journey to equip our students, staff, and stakeholders to make meaningful contributions in their respective domains.
This recognition is not just an award but a reminder of the responsibility we bear as a leading institution in Lagos State and beyond; the council chairman reiterated.
Prof. Afolabi was of the view that the award highlights the college’s outstanding achievements in advancing tourism education through its specialized departments, including the Department of Tourism Technology Management and the Department of Hospitality and Leisure Studies.
These departments, he said, have been instrumental in producing industry-ready graduates, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
He outlined the institution’s deliberate efforts in organizing seminars, workshops, and training programs aimed at equipping students with the skills required to thrive in the global tourism and hospitality industries.
The institution’s tourism and hospitality-related programs are also designed to align with global best practices, ensuring that its graduates remain competitive in the job market.
In addition to providing quality education, the Chairman said that the College has hosted numerous events and collaborated with key players in the tourism industry to promote Lagos as a world-class tourism destination.
These initiatives, he added, include the annual YABATECH Tourism Week, which features lectures, exhibitions, and interactive sessions with experts to expose students and staff to real-world industry trends.
The CEO and Chairman of Eko Destination, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon applauded YABATECH’s consistency and dedication to promoting tourism in Lagos State.
He described the College as a pillar of excellence in the tourism sector, citing its impact on raising awareness about the importance of tourism education and its role in shaping the future of the industry.
“YABATECH’s contributions to Lagos State’s tourism development are exemplary. Her commitment to producing well-rounded graduates who are ready to take on the challenges of the industry is truly commendable. This award is a testament to her dedication and hard work”; he elucidated.
Hon Nunayon also stated that the Destination Lagos Awards 2024 serves as a platform to discuss the future of tourism in Lagos State, with several speakers emphasizing the need for continued investment in education, infrastructure, and community engagement.
He further stated that the College was singled out for its visionary approach to integrating education with practical industry engagement, which has significantly contributed to the growth of the state’s tourism sector.
“The recognition as the Best Tertiary Tourism Institution is not only a milestone for YABATECH but also a call to action for other institutions to emulate its exemplary model by prioritizing innovation, excellence, and collaboration, YABATECH has set a benchmark for other schools in the country to follow.”
“As Lagos State continues to evolve into a global tourism hub, YABATECH’s role remains crucial. Its unwavering dedication to quality education and the development of a vibrant tourism ecosystem will undoubtedly shape the future of the industry, not just in Lagos but across Nigeria.
“This award underscores YABATECH’s enduring legacy as a leader in tourism education and its commitment to fostering economic growth through tourism. The institution remains steadfast in its mission to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also equipped to drive sustainable development in the tourism sector”; he averred.
