The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON has established the Hajj Institute of Nigeria, HIN to train and certify all employees in the Nigerian Hajj and Umrah industry.
The Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, said at the opening of the institute in Abuja that the establishment of the institute would improve the quality of manpower in the Hajj and Umrah sector and enable the country to be at par with global industry standards.
Alhaji Zikrullah also said that the institute would provide an avenue for skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development of youths and be reference point globally for hajj and umrah training.
The birth of HAJJ Institute of Nigeria (HIN) in presence of OSGF, Federal Ministry of Education, NBTE, Deputy Saudi Arabian Ambassador, Senate Comm. Foreign Affairs representative, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Board Members, Management & gentlemen of the press today at HAJJ House Abuja. pic.twitter.com/maIgOGfJVH
— Nigeria Hajj Commission (@nigeriahajjcom) February 7, 2023
He also said that the institute would play a key role in exploring the economic potentials abound in the sector which businesses and teeming youths could explore.
” I am confident that the institute will play a critical role in ensuring that Nigeria reaches and remains at the forefront of excellence in the global Hajj and Umrah industry. You will agree with me that the world is rapidly advancing in technology and it has become imperative that NAHCON keeps pace with these global trends. In view of this, it has become necessary for us to refocus our strategies and embrace the latest advancements in ICT. The Saudi Vision 2030, which all Hajj entities across the globe need to align to, has placed a high premium on excellent pilgrims’ services driven by ICT, It is for this reason that the Hajj Institute of Nigeria will provide a platform for training and research on various aspects of hajj and umrah, including the use of technology to improve our operations and services.”
According to the Chairman with the help of ICT, operational activities have been propelled to more efficient levels with near-zero room for mistakes which needs the right skilled manpower to run.
”Therefore, the birth of the institute marks the commencement of academic activities which will serve as added impetus to NAHCON’s quest for sustainable hajj management system in Nigeria. We recognise the economic potentials of hajj and umrah and it is time for us to leverage these opportunities and make them significant contributors to Nigeria’s economy.”
Hassan disclosed that 4th Board of the Commission had chosen to be the pioneer students of the institute not only because of its confidence in the quality of the programmes but to also commence the process of taking Hajj and Umrah to the next level from the very top.
”It is my strong belief that me and my colleagues in the board will emerge from this programme more educated and better prepared to steer the affairs of Hajj in Nigeria. Subsequently, more programmes will be rolled out for the different hajj and umrah stakeholders in the public and private sector.”
The birth of HAJJ Institute of Nigeria (HIN) in presence of OSGF, Federal Ministry of Education, NBTE, Deputy Saudi Arabian Ambassador, Senate Comm. Foreign Affairs representative, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Board Members, Management & gentlemen of the press today at HAJJ House Abuja. pic.twitter.com/N4t8he1h8G
— Nigeria Hajj Commission (@nigeriahajjcom) February 7, 2023
In his speech, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha said that the Federal Government is committed to supporting institutions like the HIN whose programs are in tune with the strategic objectives of the present administration.
“It gives me great pleasure to attend events such as this because of its relevance to this administration’s focus under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) which has a vision of sustained inclusive growth and structural economic transformation .Our emphasis is focused on improving both public and private sector efficiency, increased national productivity and maximum welfare for Nigerians.”
Mr Mustapha said that he is confident that the launch of the Institute and subsequent certificate programs will provide a platform for the Institute to continue to grow and improve its offerings.
“I would like to commend the Board and Management of the Commission for their dedication and hard work in establishing this Institute, especially for being the first cohort of students and for their tireless efforts to ensure that our hajj operations are of the highest standard. I am also grateful to our partners, both local and international, who have joined us today to celebrate this occasion and support the Institute,” he said.
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