The Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management at the University of Ibadan is set to synergize with the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) in promoting domestic tourism and capacity building.
The Head of Department, Professor Abosede Omonona, who led the team to a meeting with the executives of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Western Zone, in Ibadan, Oyo State, said the synergy is part of the efforts to bridge the gap between the gown and the town.
She laid emphasis on the long time search for a formidable body like NANTA that houses Travel and Tourism professionals in the country and the need for cohesion to advance the ecotourism potentials is ripe.
Prof. Omonona said that the management of the premier university will be delighted to see it’s students have internship and industrial training with members of NANTA for them to have field and practical experience of what have been taught.
After thorough deliberation on various issues affecting tourism, particularly Ecotourism destinations in Nigeria, the Department pushed for collaboration with the industry, particularly on giving hands-on training to students.
Dr Tokunbo Dagunduro, NANTA 2nd National President responding on behalf of the association expressed willingness to provide in-depth training on entrepreneurial skills and expose the students to opportunities in the industry. He said experience is the first bedrock of experience in any chosen career
While commending the Department for their efforts in advancing the tourism sector in Nigeria, Dr. Dagunduro also charge the department to organize more seminars and workshops that can foster collaborations between the Academia and the Industry.
He said training and refresher programmes is vital to it’s association. The NANTA leader said the southwest geo political zone should tap into it’s rich diversity in tourism and especially Eco tourism as a solution to climatic challenges.
He said hoped hat the state governments will embrace and develop wildlife tourism as you can hardly found global standard zoo in the country, he then said the synergy will ensure advocacy for the sustainable wildlife and it’s establishment in all states of the federation.
Recall that the Department had the immediate past President of NANTA, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, as the Guest Speaker at the 2024 Annual Guest Lecture.
The delegation also had in attendance Dr. A.T Olajesu the coordinator of Post Graduate Studies, Mrs. Grace Idowu- Mogaji a senior lecturer of the department, Dr. Sunday Olajesu coordinator undergraduate Studies and one of the very few birds expert in the nation.
NANTA Vice President Western Zone, Otunba Babatund Adesokan was represented by Mr.Temitope Ogunsebikan the Zonal General Secretary, also in attendance were Comrade Hezekiah Afolabi Ex – Officio, Dr. Adegbola Olufemi Financial Secretary Western Zone, Mr. Olumide Olatundun the Zonal Welfare/Social Secretary.
