The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority Director-General, Ola Awakan, has paid a memorable return visit to his alma mater, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), marking a full-circle moment defined by pride, recognition, and forward-looking collaboration.
Dr. Awakan, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Omolola Ola Awakan, also an alumna of the institution was warmly received by the Vice-Chancellor, Ayodeji Agboola, and members of the university’s management team.
During the visit, the NTDA Director-General toured key upgraded facilities within the university, including its state-of-the-art ICT Centre, widely regarded as one of the largest of its kind in the country, highlighting the institution’s commitment to innovation, growth, and academic excellence.
The NTDA boss also visited the Performing Arts Department, where an excerpt of his play, Echoes of the Drums, was performed in his honour, adding a cultural and personal touch to the homecoming.
A major highlight of the visit was the announcement of a Smart Tourism Hub, a collaborative initiative between NTDA and the university.
The hub will provide virtual access to tourism destinations across Nigeria while serving as a platform for learning, innovation, and revenue generation.
Reacting to the initiative, the Vice-Chancellor described Dr. Awakan as a worthy ambassador of the institution and commended his passion for excellence and continued commitment to giving back.
He also welcomed the Smart Tourism Hub as a timely and impactful development.
“It’s a great joy having the Director General on campus again after so many years since graduating from here. We are delighted that he is making waves and doing Mr. President proud.”
“Today, we have a majority of our population in the youths. If we can build on what we are doing, then we can be confident that the future is bright. Initiatives like this open the eyes of our students and create opportunities for them, even beyond graduation.”
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Awakan underscored the critical role of tourism in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda:
“As you know, Mr. President has emphasized that diversification is the way forward for developing the economy. The only viable path away from oil is tourism. Many countries have transformed their economies through tourism, and for Nigeria, we have far more potential than we realize"
He also reaffirmed his commitment to giving back to the institution and expanding collaboration:
“We will be partnering with Olabisi Onabanjo University to create more initiatives beyond just having a Smart Tourism Hub in the university. It is about giving back to an institution that has shaped me into who and what I am today.”
Dr. Awakan further revealed plans for NTDA to collaborate with universities and relevant agencies in developing robust tourism-focused curricula, positioning the sector as a viable driver of job creation and economic growth.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions, the Department of Mass Communication, Olabisi Onabanjo University, where he graduated from, conferred on him the Great Ambassador Award, celebrating his professional accomplishments and exemplary representation of the institution.
The visit stands as a testament to the power of alumni engagement and institutional collaboration in driving innovation, inspiring students, and advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.