By Fredrick Ameh
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority is set to partner with Olabisi Onabanjo University to establish a Smart Tourism Hub aimed at promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential and expanding digital access to destinations nationwide.
Director-General of NTDA, Ola Awakan, disclosed the initiative during a visit to the university in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
He said the hub would provide students and the public with virtual access to tourism sites across Nigeria, while also serving as a revenue-generating platform for the institution.
“The Smart Tourism Hub will promote tourism, create jobs, and enhance the university’s environment, while providing virtual access to destinations across the country,” Awakan said.
Beyond the project, the NTDA boss revealed plans to collaborate with universities and relevant agencies to introduce tourism-related courses into academic curricula, describing the sector as a major driver of employment and economic growth.
He also disclosed that the Authority is developing a digital streaming platform to showcase Nigeria’s tourism assets, which he described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in Africa.
Awakan added that NTDA is engaging state governments and industry stakeholders to reposition the sector, following a recent National Hospitality Stakeholders’ Forum aimed at charting a new direction for tourism development.
In his response, Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ayodeji Agboola, commended the initiative, noting that it would boost tourism awareness, create employment opportunities, and enhance the university’s infrastructure.
He added that the institution continues to make progress, with accredited programmes and expanding facilities supported by stakeholder collaboration.
The proposed partnership signals a growing focus on leveraging technology and education to unlock Nigeria’s tourism potential and drive sustainable economic development.