Badaki Commends HBS Lagos for Closing Manpower Gap in Nigeria’s Hospitality Industry
The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr. Badaki Aliyu, has commended the Hospitality Business School (HBS), Lagos, for its sustained contribution to bridging the manpower gap in Nigeria’s hospitality industry through quality training and industry-focused education.
Dr. Badaki gave the commendation at the HBS 2025 Graduation Ceremony and Awards held at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, over the weekend, where he praised the Chief Executive Officer of HBS, Dr. Eric Mekwuye, and his team for their unwavering commitment to excellence in hospitality education.
According to the FTAN President, HBS has continued to supply the hospitality and tourism sector with the skilled human capital required for growth and global competitiveness.
He described the institution as “feeding the industry the lifeblood it needs to grow,” noting that the quality of graduates produced by the school reflects a deep understanding of industry demands.
Dr. Badaki noted that the theme of the event, “Hospitality Change Agents,” was timely and purposeful, stressing that it represents more than a slogan but a clear mandate for the next generation of hospitality professionals.
“We are living in a time when the global tourism and hospitality landscape is shifting beneath our feet,” he said, observing that technology, sustainability concerns and evolving traveller behaviours are fundamentally redefining industry standards. “To survive and thrive, the industry no longer needs mere employees; it needs change agents.”
He explained that being a change agent in the hospitality industry requires a deliberate shift from tradition to innovation, urging graduands to constantly question existing processes and seek better, more efficient and memorable ways of delivering service.
He challenged them to look at routine activities such as check-in procedures or menu design and ask how they can be improved to reflect local identity while meeting global standards.
Dr. Badaki further emphasised the importance of embedding service excellence as a culture, noting that while Nigerians are widely known for warmth and friendliness, professionals must translate these traits into consistent, world-class service delivery.
“As change agents, you must bridge the gap between innate friendliness and professional service excellence,” he said. “You are the ones who will set the gold standard that makes a guest choose Lagos over Dubai or London.”
Highlighting the need for resilience, the FTAN President noted that the hospitality industry is particularly sensitive to economic pressures and global disruptions, adding that true change agents must learn to adapt rather than panic in times of crisis.
Speaking on employment prospects, Dr. Badaki assured the graduands that the private sector is eager to absorb skilled talent, stressing that while FTAN continues to advocate for supportive policies, it is people – not policies alone – who ultimately serve guests and shape experiences.
“You are entering the industry at a time when ‘Authentic African Hospitality’ is becoming a global brand,” he said. “Whether you find yourselves working at The Wheatbaker or starting your own outfit, remember that you carry the reputation of this nation on your shoulders.”
He advised the graduands to embrace lifelong learning, uphold integrity and prioritise collaboration as they progress in their careers. According to him, continuous learning, ethical conduct and strong professional networks are essential currencies for long-term success in hospitality.
While congratulating the HBS Class of 2026, Dr. Badaki reminded them that being a hospitality change agent is a responsibility that must be earned daily through action, passion and service.
“The industry is waiting for you. Nigeria is waiting for you. Go out there and lead the change,” he said.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality Business School, Dr. Eric Mekwuye, described HBS as more than an institution, calling it a movement dedicated to redefining hospitality education in Nigeria.
He recounted that the HBS journey began 32 years ago after he was denied a visa to travel abroad to attend one of the world’s leading hospitality schools, an experience that inspired him to establish a world-class alternative at home.
Dr. Mekwuye noted that the school has since been repositioned to provide students with the highest standards of hospitality training, equipping them with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge.
He advised young Nigerians aspiring to build careers in hospitality to reconsider the notion that quality training can only be obtained abroad, encouraging them instead to take advantage of credible local institutions.
According to him, more than 500 students have graduated from HBS over the years, many of whom are now making meaningful contributions across the hospitality and tourism value chain in Nigeria and beyond.
