The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a free hospitality and tourism skills training programme at Dewdrop Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Studies in Enugu, aimed at empowering young Nigerians with employable skills in the growing hospitality sector.
The initiative, facilitated through the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), officially kicked off on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, with an orientation session for the first batch of trainees. The programme is designed to equip participants with practical competencies in hotel management, catering services, event planning, customer service excellence, and other key areas of the hospitality and tourism industry.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Director-General of the NDE, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, represented by a senior official, highlighted the strategic importance of the training in addressing youth unemployment and boosting Nigeria's tourism potential. He noted that the hospitality sector remains one of the fastest-growing industries globally and holds immense opportunities for job creation and economic diversification.
“The Federal Government is committed to building a skilled workforce that can compete both locally and internationally. This free training at Dewdrop Institute is part of broader efforts to reduce unemployment, promote self-reliance, and position young Nigerians to take advantage of emerging opportunities in hospitality and tourism,” the DG stated.
The Director of Dewdrop Institute, Mrs. Chioma Okafor, welcomed the participants and expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for partnering with the institute. She assured trainees of high-quality instruction using modern facilities, industry-experienced facilitators, and hands-on practical sessions to ensure they graduate as competent professionals ready for the job market.
Participants expressed excitement about the opportunity, describing it as a life-changing intervention that removes financial barriers to acquiring vocational skills. Many noted that the free nature of the programme, combined with certification upon completion, would significantly improve their employability in hotels, resorts, restaurants, event management firms, and cruise operations.
The training, expected to run for several weeks, includes modules on food production, housekeeping, front office operations, tourism guiding, and entrepreneurship in hospitality. Successful trainees will receive NDE certification, which is recognized across public and private sectors.
This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, which prioritizes skills development, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion. Similar programmes have been rolled out in other parts of the country, with thousands of beneficiaries already placed in jobs or supported to start small businesses.
As the first batch commences classes in Enugu, officials urged more youths to take advantage of such government-sponsored opportunities to build sustainable careers in the service industry.
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