The Polytechnic, Ibadan has unveiled its new PolyIbadan Tourism Village, a purpose-driven experiential learning and training facility designed to equip students with practical skills and industry-based experience in tourism and hospitality.
Developed by the institution’s Department of Tourism Management Technology (TMT), the facility provides students with an environment where they can practically experience and understand various aspects of the tourism and hospitality industry beyond classroom instruction.
The Tourism Village features a Front Office and Guest Services unit, Travels and Tours Operations, Museum and Gallery, Production Kitchen, Restaurant and Bar, Accommodation, Lounge and Rooms, as well as Garden and Outdoor Recreation facilities.
The institution said the project is conceived as an evolving tourism, hospitality, cultural heritage and recreation destination, with plans to introduce additional facilities, including a Games Arcade, Outdoor Gazebos, Swimming Pool, Mini Zoo and other visitor-oriented recreational facilities.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Chairman of the Governing Council of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Prof. Lanre Nasar, commended the Department of Tourism Management Technology for its initiative, vision and determination in developing the facility within a relatively short period since the establishment of the department.
The Rector of the institution, Assoc. Prof. Taiwo Lasisi, also praised the department for its initiatives and urged it to continue developing programmes and projects capable of positively projecting the image of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Lasisi specially recognised Dr Kola Lawal, the pioneer and founder of the Department of Tourism Management Technology, for his passion, commitment and dedication to building a department that would contribute meaningfully to the development of the institution.
The Rector also commended the students of the department for their neatness, discipline and exemplary conduct, describing Tourism Management Technology students as among the neatest and best-behaved students in the institution.
The unveiling represents a significant milestone in the institution’s efforts to transform tourism education by moving beyond theoretical instruction to practical, industry-oriented training.
Through the Tourism Village, students are expected to gain firsthand experience in the operations and management of key components of the tourism and hospitality sector, thereby better preparing them for professional careers and entrepreneurship.
The facility is expected to undergo further expansion, with its official commissioning scheduled for December 2026.
The Polytechnic said the project reflects its commitment to producing graduates with practical competencies while promoting tourism, cultural heritage and hospitality development.
