YABATECH SHINES AS BEST TOURISM TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA: COLLEGE CLINCHES TOP AWARD AT 2025 SOUTHWEST INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPO

YABATECH SHINES AS BEST TOURISM TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA: COLLEGE CLINCHES TOP AWARD AT 2025 SOUTHWEST INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPO

• By Admin
• COLLEGE
• Dec 12, 2025 09:38 am

Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has once again reinforced its reputation as Nigeria’s premier institution for technical and creative innovation, emerging as the Best Tourism Tertiary Institution in Southwest Nigeria at the maiden edition of the Southwest International Tourism Expo (SWITE) 2025, held at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

The award, presented by the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), celebrates the outstanding cultural performance, craftsmanship, and exhibition skill demonstrated by students of the Department of Tourism Management Technology, School of Technology.

Speaking during the official presentation of the award to the institution’s Rector, the Vice President of ATPN, Honourable Samson Apata praised YABATECH for distinguishing itself among nearly 15 institutions from Nigeria and Ghana who competed at the expo.

According to him, YABATECH’s exhibition stand - designed and executed by students - was so exceptional that many visitors doubted it was student-produced.

“Sometimes, people buy awards, but in the case of YABATECH, excellence speaks for itself. Good work announces itself,” he said.

“During the cultural presentations and exhibitions, YABATECH stood out. The judges were independent and unknown to all institutions. The results were purely performance-based, and YABATECH emerged the clear winner;” he stated.

Hon. Apata explained that the award, which could not be presented on the day of the expo to avoid any impression of favoritism, was brought personally as his responsibility to ensure the honour was formally delivered to the Rector, because excellence deserves to be acknowledged.

Presenting the plaque, he congratulated the Rector, the department’s leadership, lecturers and, particularly, the students whose creativity and commitment earned the College the prestigious recognition.

In his remarks, the Rector, Yaba College of Technology Dr. Engr Ibraheem Abdul, expressed gratitude to ATPN for recognising the College’s commitment to cultural innovation and academic excellence. 
He commended the students for representing the institution with distinction, noting that the award reflects the strong leadership, discipline, and teamwork that define the college.

“This achievement is a reminder that people are watching. It motivates us to keep raising the bar and to continue nurturing the next generation of innovators,” the Rector said, while assuring that the College would deepen partnerships that enrich students’ practical exposure.

“The 2025 Southwest International Tourism Expo brought together institutions from Ekiti, Oyo, Lagos, Ghana and beyond to showcase cultural displays, drama, arts, and crafts.

YABATECH’s victory adds to the institution’s long list of laurels and reinforces its position as a leading hub for tourism education and creative enterprise in Nigeria.

The College community celebrated the win as a major boost for the School of Technology and a testament to the students’ ingenuity.

With this award, YABATECH continues to consolidate its leadership in tourism, culture, and creative industries - further affirming the College’s motto: “First and Still the Best;” the rector established.

 

 

 

 

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