As part of initiatives geared towards grooming a fit-for-purpose workforce for national development, Management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in collaboration with Continental Hotels, hosted some students of the University to an interactive session on Friday, June 28, 2024.
The event which held at the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) Lecture Theatre under the auspices of the Office of Career Development Services (OCDS) of UNILAG saw participants being exposed to job opportunities and insights in the Nigerian Hospitality Industry.
Top officials of Continental Hotels led by the Group General Manager, Karl Hala took turns to address the students on various career prospects in Hospitality Management such as Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, Resources Management and Engineering among other areas.
The speakers were unanimous in identifying passion as the fulcrum for anyone who desires a thriving career in the hospitality industry.
The immediate past Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who was the keynote speaker at the event, took the participants through investment opportunities in the Creative Industry in Nigeria.
The former minister spoke highly of the Nigerian creative space being the second largest employer in Nigeria, its propensity for expansion and its undeniable role in Nigeria’s economic growth, social development and promotion of cultural exchange.
Alh. Lai Mohammed noted that despite the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world economy, the creative industry in Nigeria recorded a significant boom with hospitality events and tourism recording a sum of 1.2 trillion naira revenue while film making recorded 140 billion naira. He disclosed that the music industry made 300 billion naira while Writing, Printing and Publishing sector recorded a whooping sum of 1 trillion naira and fashion made a startling sum of 2 trillion naira all within the same year 2020.
The former National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) identified Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, diverse pool of talents and burgeoning consumer market as guarantees of huge Return on Investment (RoI) for investors in the Nigerian Creative Industry.
He said “with the right investments, strategic partnerships, and supportive policies, the Nigerian creative industry has the potential to become a global powerhouse, driving innovation, job creation, and socio-economic transformation”.
In her remarks, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa described the event as part of the university’s strategic agenda to help students uncover potentials in different careers, as well as groom them for the workforce of the future while leveraging partnerships for placements.
Prof Atsenuwa who spoke virtually appreciated all speakers especially management of Continental Hotels for their choice of UNILAG and reaffirmed management’s readiness to partner with all willing individuals and corporate entities for students’ development.
Earlier in his remarks, Co-ordinator, Office of Career Development Services (OCDS), Dr Ayodele Shittu described the event as being in line with the mandate of OCDS to provide career advisory services, career connection and opportunities through partnerships as well as provision of masterclasses in various soft skills with a view to preparing staff and students for the future.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photography: Ayomide Oloyede
