Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) has been honoured as the top tourism-focused tertiary institution in Southwest Nigeria, following its standout performance at the 2025 Southwest International Tourism Expo in Ikeja.
The award highlights the College’s commitment to innovation, cultural representation, and practical learning.
Students from the Tourism Management Technology Department impressed both judges and visitors with meticulously designed exhibits, showcasing a level of creativity and technical skill that rivaled that of professional practitioners.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Samson Apata, Vice President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), praised the students’ work, noting that the exhibition was entirely conceptualised and executed by undergraduates.
“Their creativity and attention to detail were exceptional. It’s rare to see such professionalism at this level, and their efforts truly set Yabatech apart from the competition,” he said.
The Rector of Yabatech, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, expressed his appreciation for the recognition, emphasising that it reflected the College’s long-standing dedication to academic excellence and industry-relevant training.
“This award not only celebrates our students’ achievements but also reaffirms our commitment to nurturing talent that can compete on both national and international stages,” he said.
Dr. Abdul also commended the teamwork and discipline demonstrated by the students, describing them as a reflection of Yabatech’s core values.
He said the accolade would serve as motivation for further improvements in academic standards and strengthened collaboration with tourism and hospitality industry partners.
The expo drew participation from educational institutions across Lagos, Ekiti, Oyo, and Ghana.
Yabatech’s achievement is seen as a benchmark for other institutions in the region, highlighting the College’s leadership in integrating practical, creative, and professional skills into its tourism curriculum.
