“NBTE looks forward to greater collaboration with the young but promising Institute as we develop more curricula relevant to the Hajj operations as well as National occupational Standards (NOS) for skills training on Hajj management.”
SKILLS AND PROFESSIONALIZATION IN HAJJ AND UMRAH SECTOR
Address by Prof Idris Bugaje, ES, NBTE on the occasion of HIN Maiden Professional Certificate Program,
February 7, 2023.
Protocols
Let me start by congratulating the Chairman and members of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) on this auspicious occasion, the inauguration of the training arm of the Commission, the Hajj Institute, a very timely and well thought-out move which will surely improve on service delivery in Hajj Operations in the coming years. I pray that Allah, the Most High, blesses this effort and grants success to the initiative.
Following an advisory visit by the NBTE carried out at the request of the NAHCON on the 17th September, 2020, the Institution was scheduled for Approval/Resource inspection visitation by a team comprising of Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) held from 15th to 17th December, 2021. The report of the visit was submitted to the Honourable Minister of Education (HME) who granted the Hajj Institute of Nigeria approval, effective 9th March, 2022, to operate as an Innovation Enterprise Institution (IEI) offering National Innovation Diploma (NID) in Hospitality and Tourism Studies, Computer studies and other related courses. The Hajj institute was advised to sponsor the development of National Innovation Diploma (NID) curriculum in Hajj Operations as it relates directly to the mandate of the NAHCON.
It is with gratitude to Allah, the Most High, that we are here today to celebrate the formal take off of the Hajj Institute. Similarly, the institute may also register with some relevant Awarding Bodies to conduct National Skills Qualifications (NSQ) in various areas of interest under the NSQF. This is a major step in professionalizing Hajj operations and development of relevant skills needed to deliver smooth Hajj operations. While Diploma would require 5 credits and Jamb score, Skills training under NSQF can even be conducted in Ajami or vernacular language.
The Hajj institution provides integration of people and enrichment of culture and technology since time immemorial. The days when Hajj was conducted by road across Africa, the famous Hajj by world’s wealthiest man, Mansa Musa of Mali and subsequent invitation of architects and other specialists and artisans leading to the creation of great monuments such as the famous Timbuktu mosque, the Sankoure University (world’s second in 989 also in Mali) and the famous Gobarau minaret in Katsina built around 1399, etc. are all bye-products of the Hajj operations. It will therefore not be out of place if the Hajj Institute looks into training in diverse fields that would strengthen the Hajj institution. The Institute should also conduct research into hajj operations past, present and future.
NBTE looks forward to greater collaboration with the young but promising Institute as we develop more curricula relevant to the Hajj operations as well as National occupational Standards (NOS) for skills training on Hajj management.
May Allah’s blessings and peace be with you all.
IMB.
