By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority Director-General, Dr. Ola Awakan, has taken Nigeria’s Smart Tourism Hub to his alma mater, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU).
Awakan took this significant step when he paid a return visit to Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) to mark
a collaborative move with the school.
Dr. Awakan, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Omolola Ola Awakan, also an alumna of
the institution, was warmly received by the Vice-Chancellor, Ayodeji Agboola, and members of the university’s management team.
During the visit, the NTDA Director-General toured key upgraded facilities within the
university, including its state-of-the-art ICT Centre, widely regarded as one of the
largest of its kind in the country, highlighting the institution’s commitment to innovation,
growth, and academic excellence.
The NTDA boss also visited the Performing Arts Department, where an excerpt of his
play, Echoes of the Drums, was performed in his honour, adding a cultural and
personal touch to the homecoming.
A major highlight of the visit was the announcement of a Smart Tourism Hub, a
collaborative initiative between NTDA and the university.
According to him, the hub will provide virtual access to tourism destinations across Nigeria while serving as a platform for learning,
innovation, and revenue generation.
Reacting to the initiative, the Vice-Chancellor described Dr. Awakan as a worthy
ambassador of the institution and commended his passion for excellence and
continued commitment to giving back.
He also welcomed the Smart Tourism Hub as a timely and impactful development in the tourism sector .
“It’s a great joy having the Director General on campus again after so many years
since graduating from here. We are delighted that he is making waves and doing Mr.
President proud.”
“Today, we have many our population in the youth. If we can build on what we
are doing, then we can be confident that the future is bright. Initiatives like this open the eyes of our students and create opportunities for them, even beyond graduation”, he said.
Furthermore, Awakan underscored the critical role of tourism in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
“As you know, Mr. President has emphasized that diversification is the way forward for developing the economy.”
“The only viable path away from oil is tourism. Many
countries have transformed their economies through tourism, and for Nigeria, we have realized”, he note.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to giving back to the institution through expanding collaboration with the institution.
He stated,“We will be partnering with Olabisi Onabanjo University to create more initiatives beyond just having a Smart Tourism Hub in the university. It is about giving back to an institution that has shaped me into who and what I am today.”
Dr. Awakan further revealed plans for NTDA to collaborate with other universities and
relevant agencies in developing robust tourism-focused curricula, positioning the sector as a viable driver of job creation and economic growth.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions, the OOU Mass Communication Department conferred on him the “Great Ambassador Award” in celebration of his professional excellence and worthy representation of the institution.
