…kicks off with UNILAG, plans expansion to other universities to address skill shortage in the hospitality sector

Oredola Adeola

The Continental Hotels Group has inaugurated its first Continental Hotels Training Academy at the University of Lagos, aiming to bridge the skill gap and address the shortage of skilled professionals in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.

The unveiling ceremony took place at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), attracting hundreds of students, university authorities, and former Information & Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed.

The launch, held at the Faculty of Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, drew an impressive turnout of students, university officials, and notable dignitaries, including former Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed. The event commenced with insightful discussions on hospitality industry careers.

Ramesh Kansagra, Chairman and visionary behind the Continental Hotel Group, spearheaded the project, emphasizing its goal to address the skill gap in Nigeria’s hospitality industry.

The training academy, initially partnering with UNILAG, plans to extend its reach to other universities across the country.

The Continental Hotel Training Academy aims to bridge the skill gap by addressing the shortage of skilled professionals in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.

It offers comprehensive training and skill acquisition platforms in hospitality management to produce a competent workforce that meets industry demands.

The academy provides fully funded training opportunities for Nigerian students through its CSR platforms.

The company is collaborating with higher institutions to enhance their curriculum by integrating industry practices and partners with other players in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

Key Highlights of the programme are the plan by the academy to partner with UNILAG to offer short courses in hospitality management, expected to be facilitated by professionals with global experience and university lecturers.

Students will gain practical experience at Continental Hotels and other five-star establishments. Joint certification by UNILAG and the training academy will be provided, along with potential job placements for outstanding students.

The initiative also aims to raise awareness about career progression in hospitality management. Continental Hotel Group reiterated its commitment to collaborating with educational institutions to establish hospitality management departments.

Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, UNILAG’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), lauded the Continental Hotel Group for this invaluable opportunity.

She highlighted the academy’s potential to open diverse career pathways in the hospitality industry for students, positioning them as future-ready graduates for Nigeria’s economy.

Lai Mohammed, Former Minister of Information, Culture & Tourism, in his address on “Investment Opportunities in the Creative Industry in Nigeria,” affirmed the vast potential for investors in the sector, further underscoring the importance of such initiatives.