The President Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN, Dr Aliyu Badaki has commended the management of Hospitality Business School, HBS, Lagos for bridging the manpower gap in the Nigerian Hospitality industry.
Speaking at the HBS 2025 Graduation Ceremony and Awards at Wheatbaker Hotel Ikoyi, Lagos over the weekend, Badaki commended the Chief Executive Officer of HBS, Dr Eric Mekwuye and his team, for their commitment to excellence in hospitality education.
He said HBS is feeding the industry the lifeblood it needs to grow.
FTAN President emphasised that the theme for this year’s event, “Hospitality Change Agents,” is not just a catchy title, but a mandate.
He pointed out; “we are living in a time where the global tourism and hospitality landscape is shifting beneath our feet.”
Badaki observed that technology, sustainability, and changing travellers’ behaviours are rewriting the playbook and rules.
According to him: “To survive and thrive, the industry no longer needs mere “employees”—it needs “Change Agents.”
He explained that to be a change agent in hospitality industry means: Innovation over Tradition – by looking at a traditional check-in process or a menu and asking, “How can we make this more efficient, more local, or moreover memorable.”
Imbibing Service Excellence as a Culture, Badaki maintained: ‘‘In Nigeria, we are known for our warmth. As change agents, you must bridge the gap between “innate friendliness” and “professional service excellence.” You are the ones who will set the gold standard that makes a guest choose Lagos over Dubai or London.
On the need for resilience: FTAN President added; “our industry is sensitive to economic and global shifts, stressing that a change agent doesn’t panic during a crisis; they pivot.
In his words: “As the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), I can tell you that the private sector is hungry for your talent. We are working tirelessly to advocate for policies that grow our industry, but policies alone do not serve guests. People do.
‘‘You are entering the industry at a time when “Authentic African Hospitality” is becoming a global brand. Whether you find yourselves at the Wheatbaker, or starting your own outfit, remember that you carry the reputation of this nation on your shoulders.”
He continued further: “To the graduands, I offer three pieces of advice as you step out today:
Never Stop Learning: The certificate you receive today is a key, but the door of knowledge is infinite. Stay curious. Understand technology, understand green energy in hotels, and understand the psychology of the modern traveller;
Integrity is Your Currency: In hospitality, trust is everything. Whether you are managing accounts or managing a kitchen, let your integrity be beyond reproach;
Collaborate: Look at the person sitting next to you. They are your future partners, suppliers, or employers. Build your network starting now.”
While congratulating the HBS Class of 2026, Badaki stated: “You have worked hard to reach this milestone. But remember, the “Hospitality Change Agent” isn’t a title you graduate into—it is a role you must earn every single day through your actions, your passion, and your service.
‘‘The industry is waiting for you. Nigeria is waiting for you. Go out there and lead the change.”
In his opening remarks, Mekwuye stated that Hospitality Business School is not just a school but a movement that doesn’t require any man.
He said the HBS journey started 32 years ago when he was denied visa to travel abroad to attend one of the hospitality schools in the world.
Mekwuye said the school is repositioned to give the students the best in hospitality training.
He advised young people seeking a career in the industry to jettison the idea of going abroad for training but rather consider doing the training at home.
More than 500 students have graduated within the period.
