Wilson Adekumola
The Hajj Institute of Nigeria, founded by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has officially commenced lecture on Hajj and Umrah management by admitting 21 students for its professional certificate programme after fulfilling all necessary accreditation as assigned by relevant authority.
A total of 21 pioneer students, who are also members of the current board of NAHCON, are to undergo four-week training on strategic management of Hajj and Umrah Operations for award of certificate of the institute.
The chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, while speaking on the inauguration of the institute, on Tuesday is Abuja, said the Institute was established, among other things, to improve the quality of manpower in the Hajj and Umrah sector in Nigeria to compete with global industry standards; train and certify all employees in the sector; develop and associate with relevant bodies, occupational standards for the Hajj and Umrah professionals in Nigeria and provide an avenue for skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development of Nigerian youth. Leadership reports.
Explaining why the the students are from the current board, Hassan said the 4th board of the NAHCON had chosen to be the pioneer students of the institute not only because of its confidence in the quality of the programmes but to also commence the process of promoting Hajj and Umrah to the next level.
He said the Saudi Vision 2030, which involved all Hajj across the globe , has placed a high premium on excellent pilgrim services driven by ICT.
He stated that for this reason, Hajj Institute of Nigeria will provide a platform for training and research on various aspects of hajj and umrah, including the use of technology to improve their operations and services.
“Therefore, the birth of the institute marks the commencement of academic activities which will serve as added impetus to NAHCON’s quest for a sustainable hajj management system in Nigeria.
“It is my strong belief that me and my colleagues in the board will emerge from this programme more educated and better prepared to steer the affairs of Hajj in Nigeria,” Hassan said.
Commenting on the programmes of the institution, the executive secretary, National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje, who was on hand to grace the occasion, said the Minister of Education granted the Hajj Institute of Nigeria approval, effective March 9, 2022, to operate as an Innovation Enterprise Institution, offering National Innovation Diploma, in Hospitality and Tourism Studies, Computer Studies and other related courses.
He said the institute will be responsible for the development of the National Innovation Diploma curriculum in Hajj Operations as the NAHCON demands.
While urging the Hajj institute to conduct research into hajj operations past, present and future, Prof. Bugaje promised that the NBTE will be collaboration with new but promising Institute to develop more relevant currcular to the Hajj operations as well as National Occupational Standards for skills acquisition on Hajj management.