By Pelumi Adesokan
Hajj Training Institutes have partnered with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to develop a curriculum for a National Diploma in Hospitality and Hajj Management to strengthen professional capacity in the Hajj industry.
The initiative followed earlier approval by the Hajj Training Institutes to run a Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism, which was later proposed for conversion to Hospitality and Hajj Management to better align the programme with the specific needs of Hajj administration.
The week-long curriculum development exercise, held from October 5 to 10 in Kaduna, brought together representatives of relevant institutions and industry experts to develop a zero-draft curriculum for the proposed programme.
Participants from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) included the Registrar of Hajj Institutes of Nigeria, Prof. Ibrahim Jalingo; Prof. Wasiu Gabadeen who is a professor of educational management from the University of Abuja and a Hajj Veteran.
The closing ceremony took place today at the National Board for Technical Education Consult on Degel Road, Kaduna, on Saturday.
The Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abbah Yusuf, was represented at the event by the Registrar of the Institute Ibrahim Jalingo.
Speaking at the event, Ibrahim Jalingo expressed appreciation to the NAHCON Chairman for his prompt approval of the workshop and also appreciated the support and cooperation of the staff of the NBTE throughout the workshop.
The Executive Secretary of the NBTE, Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje, praised all the participants and commended the Management of NAHCON for activating such impactful initiatives that will go a long way in shaping Hajj management in Nigeria
The collaboration is expected to help align technical education with the operational and professional requirements of the Hajj industry, particularly in hospitality, pilgrim management and related services.
The curriculum development process was facilitated by the HIN in partnership with NBTE, which invited industry experts to contribute their knowledge and experience in line with its established curriculum development practices.
The proposed National Diploma in Hospitality and Hajj Management is expected to provide a more specialised academic pathway for people seeking professional careers in Hajj administration and hospitality services.
