Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) has been recognised as the best tourism tertiary institution in Southwest Nigeria at the 2025 Southwest International Tourism Expo held in Ikeja.
According to a statement by Mr Adekunle Adams of the College’s Centre for Communication, Information and Public Relations, the award honoured Yabatech’s cultural performance, creativity, craftsmanship, and exhibition excellence.
Students of the Tourism Management Technology department showcased exceptional work that impressed both judges and visitors throughout the expo.
Mr Samson Apata, vice president of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), praised Yabatech for standing out among nearly fifteen institutions from Nigeria and Ghana. He highlighted that the exhibition stand, designed entirely by students, drew attention from visitors who initially doubted that such detailed work came from undergraduates.
“Good work announces itself. The students showed superior creativity, technical skill, discipline, and commitment during the exhibitions,” Apata said, emphasising that the judges were independent and unknown to participants, making Yabatech’s win transparent, credible, and well-deserved.
Apata added that the award plaque was presented separately to avoid any impression of favouritism, describing the recognition as fully earned. He congratulated the Rector, staff, and students, noting that teamwork and dedication drove the College’s success.
Rector Dr Ibraheem Abdul thanked ATPN for acknowledging the institution’s commitment to cultural innovation and academic excellence, saying the honour affirms Yabatech’s dedication to quality training.
“This achievement is a reminder that people are watching,” Abdul said, praising the students for representing the College well and reflecting Yabatech’s values of discipline and teamwork. He added that the award encourages the College to continue improving academic standards and expanding industry partnerships that support practical learning.
The expo featured institutions from Lagos, Ekiti, Oyo, and Ghana, and the Rector noted that the recognition reinforces Yabatech’s leadership in tourism education.
