NBTE Dispatches Inspection Team to HIN/ NAHCON Receives FEC Nod on PPP

NBTE Dispatches Inspection Team to HIN/ NAHCON Receives FEC Nod on PPP

A team of inspectors from the National Board for Technical Education, (NBTE) were at the Hajj House from 15th – 17th December 2021 for a two-day statutory Resource Visit and Institutional Accreditation. The exercise is among the processes of granting approval for the licensing of new institutions such as the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN), to be so called based on the recommendation of the delegation. HIN has written to the NBTE requesting for approval to function as an Innovation Enterprise Institute (IEI) and a Vocational Enterprise Institution (VEI) for the award of National Innovation Diploma (NID) and National Vocational Certificate (NVC).

During a reception organized in appreciation of the visiting team, the NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan emphasized that the goal of the institute is to professionalize the Hajj industry as to be a reference point in Hajj management studies from all over the world, especially English-speaking countries. He promised full cooperation to the team expressing confidence that their names will be preserved in the actualization of this historical movement.

The Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) is one among many projects on stream introduced by the Commission to broaden NAHCON’s revenue as well as to standardize Hajj operations, commented Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Hardawa. He described the idea of the institute as revolutionary.

Speaking, Alhaji Nura Hassan Yakassai disclosed that at the inception of the fourth board, the leadership had three immediate goals in site: to commence the Hajj Savings scheme, to establish the HIN and to enter Public Private Partnership for the utilization of NAHCON’s landed properties. The Commissioner aired satisfaction that all the three goals are manifesting as realities. Most important vision of the HIN he re-echoed, is to educate Hajj managers with rudimentary knowledge to make operations more successful.

Similar submissions were made by the Commissioner Sheikh Suleiman Momoh and Dr Bala Muhammad, Board Member representing Ja’matu Nasril Islam. Sheikh Momoh thanked the Almighty for the opportunity of realizing the set targets. Dr. Muhammad on the other hand hoped that the establishment of the institute may enable government to regulate that only persons with at least diploma in Hajj management would be allowed to practice in the Hajj and Umrah sector, to sanitize the system as was done in the practice of journalism in Nigeria.

At the customary exit interview sequel to inspection, Dr Nasiru Halilu Koko, leader of the delegation made observations and recommendations that will enhance productivity of the institute. He assured the gathering that the team had compiled all the information it needed and will make its submission to the relevant authority on whose shoulder lies the responsibility of taking the final decision on licensing of the Hajj institute.

Interim Rector of the institution, Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare, thanked the delegation for their valuable recommendations and kind observations. He assured that the institute’s management will take immediate steps to address the matters raised.

While giving the closing remarks, Dr. Aliyu Tanko, Coordinator of HIN, recalled that the journey for the institute began in 2016 and today, the idea is reaching maturity. He therefore appreciated everyone that contributed to the success of the institute in one way or the other right from the notional stage.

In another development, the NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan announced during the reception the good news that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, 15th of December 2021 approved NAHCON’s property development under the Public Private Partnership arrangement for commercial purposes. It was reported that accolades for NAHCON followed the approval while congratulatory phone calls buzzed on the lines of NAHCON’s top management.

With this approval, NAHCON is on course to develop its properties into money making ventures, dividends of which will strengthen the commission to depend less on federal government for funding. Additionally, the Chairman explained, it is hoped that NAHCON would be able to subsidize Hajj for Nigerian intending pilgrims by the time all its properties become fully commercialized. The venture is expected to generate surplus revenue for NAHCON and federal government as well.

Fatima Sanda Usara,
Head, Public Affairs,
NAHCON