The Polytechnic, Ibadan has unveiled a new Tourism Village as part of efforts to equip students with practical skills and real-world experience in tourism and hospitality management.
The facility, christened PolyIbadan Tourism Village, was developed by the institution’s Department of Tourism Management Technology (TMT) to complement classroom learning with hands-on industry training.
The Tourism Village comprises a range of facilities designed to expose students to different aspects of the hospitality and tourism business.
They include a Front Office and Guest Services unit, Travels and Tours Operations, Museum and Gallery, Production Kitchen, Restaurant and Bar, Accommodation, Lounge and Rooms, as well as Garden and Outdoor Recreation facilities.
The institution said the project is designed to evolve into a major tourism, hospitality, cultural heritage and recreational destination.
Additional facilities planned for the Tourism Village include a Games Arcade, Outdoor Gazebos, Swimming Pool, Mini Zoo and other recreational attractions.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Chairman of the Governing Council of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Prof. Lanre Nasar, commended the Department of Tourism Management Technology for its vision and determination in developing the facility.
Nasar noted that the project was achieved within a relatively short period following the establishment of the department.
The Rector of the institution, Assoc. Prof. Taiwo Lasisi, also praised the department for its initiative, urging it to continue developing programmes capable of enhancing the image and reputation of the Polytechnic.
Lasisi particularly recognised Dr Kola Lawal, the pioneer and founder of the Department of Tourism Management Technology, for his passion, commitment and contribution to the development of the department.
The Rector also commended students of the department for their neatness, discipline and conduct, describing them as among the best-behaved students in the institution.
The unveiling is expected to mark a significant shift towards more practical and industry-focused tourism education at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Through the facility, students will gain firsthand experience in areas such as accommodation management, food and beverage services, tour operations, customer relations, cultural heritage management and recreation.
The institution said the practical exposure would better prepare graduates for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities within Nigeria’s growing tourism and hospitality industry.
The Tourism Village is expected to undergo further expansion, while its official commissioning is scheduled for December 2026.
The Polytechnic said the project demonstrates its commitment to producing graduates with practical competencies while promoting tourism, cultural heritage and hospitality development.
